First Conditional

Structure

If + present simple, will + base verb

When to Use

Real Future Possibilities

• If I see her, I’ll tell her the news.
• If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the train.
• If the weather is nice, we’ll go to the beach.

Promises and Warnings

• If you help me, I’ll help you later.
• If you touch that, you’ll burn yourself.
• If you don’t stop, I’ll call the police.

Offers and Suggestions

• If you’re hungry, I’ll make you a sandwich.
• If you want, I’ll drive you home.
• If you need help, I’ll be there.

Variations

Using might/may/can instead of will

• If it rains, we might cancel the picnic. (less certain)
• If you ask nicely, she may help you. (possibility)
• If you finish early, you can leave. (permission)

Using unless (= if not)

• Unless you hurry, you’ll be late. (= If you don’t hurry, you’ll be late.)
• I’ll go unless it rains. (= I’ll go if it doesn’t rain.)

Using imperative instead of will

• If you see John, tell him to call me.
• If the phone rings, answer it.

Zero vs. First Conditional

Practice Examples

“If you study every day, you’ll improve quickly. But if you don’t practice, you won’t make progress.”

Real future possibilities with conditions.

Quiz