What is the first conditional in English grammar?

The first conditional is a sentence pattern used for real or likely future situations. It pairs an 'if'-clause in the present simple with a result clause using 'will' + base verb. Example: If it rains, we'll stay inside.

Can I use 'will' after 'if' in the first conditional?

No. In the first conditional, the if-clause stays in the present simple — never 'will'. Say 'If you study, you'll pass', not 'If you will study, you'll pass'. Only the result clause uses 'will'.

What's the difference between the first conditional and the second conditional?

The first conditional describes real or likely future situations (If it rains, we'll stay home). The second conditional describes unreal, unlikely, or hypothetical situations (If it rained, we'd stay home — but we don't expect it to). The first uses present + will; the second uses past + would.

Can the if-clause come at the end of the sentence?

Yes. 'We'll stay home if it rains' and 'If it rains, we'll stay home' mean the same thing. When the if-clause comes first, it's followed by a comma; when it comes second, no comma is needed.

When do I use 'unless' instead of 'if not' in the first conditional?

'Unless' means 'if not' and is used to express a negative condition. 'I'll go unless it rains' is equivalent to 'I'll go if it doesn't rain'. Both forms are correct; 'unless' is more concise and slightly more emphatic.

Can I use modals other than 'will' in the result clause?

Yes. The result clause can use 'will', 'won't', 'might', 'may', 'should', or imperatives, depending on the meaning. For example: 'If you study, you might pass' (less certain), 'If the light is red, stop' (instruction).

First Conditional

Real/likely future results: If + present, will + base verb

Last updated 13 June 2026

intermediate

The first conditional describes real or likely future situations — when a particular condition happens, a specific result follows. It uses the present simple in the if-clause and 'will' (or 'won't') + base verb in the result clause.

When to Use First Conditional

•Likely future results based on a condition: If it rains, we'll stay inside.
•Promises/threats linked to a condition: If you finish early, I'll buy you dinner.
•Warnings and advice: If you touch that, you'll get hurt.
•Instructions for specific situations: If the light is red, stop.
•Negotiations: If you lower the price, I'll take it.

How to Form First Conditional

Affirmative (+)

If + present simple, will + base verb

Negative (-)

If + present simple, won't + base verb

Question (?)

What will happen if + present simple?

💡 Condition uses present simple, not future. 'Will' only in the result clause.

Examples of First Conditional

✓If you study, you'll pass.

✗If you will study, you will pass.

Use present in the if-clause, will in the result.

✓If it doesn't rain, we'll go hiking.

✗If it won't rain, we'll go hiking.

Don't use will after if.

✓What will you do if they cancel?

✗What do you do if they will cancel?

Result uses will; condition uses present.

Common Mistakes with First Conditional

💡 Practice Tips for First Conditional

• If-clause = present simple; result clause = will/won't + base.
• Swap clause order freely: We'll go for a walk if it stops raining.
• Don't double future (avoid will in the if-clause).
• Use contractions ('ll, won't) for natural tone.

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When to Use First Conditional

How to Form First Conditional

Examples of First Conditional

Common Mistakes with First Conditional

✗If you will come, I'll be happy.

✗If you study, you pass.

✗If it rains, we go.