Simple explanation
What is the First Conditional? The First Conditional describes a real or possible situation in the future and what will probably happen if that situation occurs. The condition is not certain, but it is realistic. For example, it may rain tomorrow. If it does, you may decide to stay home. The First Conditional connects this possible condition with its future result. A First Conditional sentence has two parts A typical First Conditional sentence contains a condition and a result. The if-clause gives the condition, while the other clause gives the future result. In “If I finish early, I'll call you,” “If I finish early” is the condition and “I'll call you” is the result. Use the present simple after if Although the condition refers to the future, we normally use the present simple after if. We say “If she comes tomorrow,” not “If she will come tomorrow.” The future result is usually expressed with will + base verb. You can change the order The if-clause can come first or second. “If it rains, we'll stay home” and “We'll stay home if it rains” express the same basic relationship. When the if-clause comes first, we normally put a comma after it. When it comes second, a comma is usually not needed. Negative First Conditional sentences The condition or the result can be negative. Use don't or doesn't in a negative present-simple condition: “If you don't hurry, you'll miss the bus.” Use won't for a negative future result: “If it rains, we won't go out.” Questions with the First Conditional We can also ask about the result of a possible future situation. For example, “What will you do if it rains?” The question is formed with will in the result clause, while the verb after if remains in the present simple.
Grammar formula
Positive form
If + subject + present simple, subject + will + base verbIf I have time, I'll call you.
Negative condition
If + subject + don't/doesn't + base verb, subject + will + base verbIf you don't hurry, you'll miss the bus.
Negative result
If + subject + present simple, subject + won't + base verbIf it rains, we won't go out.
Result clause first
Subject + will + base verb + if + subject + present simpleI'll help you if I finish early.
Wh-question
Wh-word + will + subject + base verb + if + subject + present simple?What will you do if you miss the train?
Yes/no question
Will + subject + base verb + if + subject + present simple?Will you come if I invite you?
Core rules
- 1
Use it for realistic future possibilities
Use the First Conditional when a future situation is possible and you want to describe its likely or expected result.
- 2
Use the present simple after if
The normal pattern is if + present simple, even when the condition refers to the future: “If I have time tomorrow, I'll help you.”
- 3
Use will + base verb for the result
The result clause usually uses will followed by the base form of the verb: “If we leave now, we'll arrive on time.”
- 4
Do not normally put will after if
For the standard First Conditional pattern, do not use will in the if-clause. Say “If she calls,” not “If she will call.”
- 5
Use don't or doesn't for a negative condition
A negative condition follows normal present-simple rules: “If I don't sleep well, I'll be tired” and “If he doesn't hurry, he'll be late.”
- 6
Use won't for a negative result
Will not is usually shortened to won't: “If the weather is bad, we won't go to the beach.”
- 7
The two clauses can change position
Both “If you call me, I'll answer” and “I'll answer if you call me” are correct. Use a comma when the if-clause comes first.
Useful examples
If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay at home.
If there is rain tomorrow, we will stay at home.
The rain is a realistic future possibility, not a certainty.
If I finish work early, I'll meet you at the café.
I will meet you at the café if my work finishes early enough.
Finish is in the present simple after if.
You'll feel better if you get some rest.
Getting some rest will probably make you feel better.
The result clause comes before the condition.
If Maya studies tonight, she'll be ready for the test.
Maya will probably be prepared for the test if she studies tonight.
Studies has -ies because Maya is third-person singular.
If we don't leave now, we'll miss the bus.
Not leaving now will probably cause us to miss the bus.
The condition is negative, so we use don't leave.
If the shop is closed, I won't buy the jacket today.
I will not buy the jacket today if the shop is not open.
Won't expresses a negative future result.
I'll send you a message if I get any news.
I will message you when I receive some relevant news, if that happens.
The if-clause comes second, so no comma is normally needed.
What will you do if you lose your phone?
What action will you take if your phone gets lost?
This question asks about the result of a possible future event.
If my brother comes with us, we'll take his car.
We will use my brother's car if he joins us.
Use comes, not will come, after if.
If you don't charge your phone, it will turn off.
Your phone will switch off if you do not charge it.
The sentence connects a negative condition with its likely result.
We'll order pizza if nobody wants to cook.
If no one wants to prepare food, we will get pizza.
The result is placed before the if-clause.
If I see Anna tomorrow, I'll tell her about the meeting.
I will tell Anna about the meeting if I see her tomorrow.
Even with tomorrow, use see rather than will see after if.
If the weather is nice this weekend, we'll go for a bike ride.
We will probably ride our bikes this weekend if the weather is good.
The sentence describes a realistic plan that depends on the weather.
Will you come to the party if Jake invites you?
If Jake gives you an invitation, will you attend the party?
This is a yes/no question about the result of a possible condition.
Common mistakes
- ❌ If it will rain tomorrow, we'll stay home. ✅ If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay home. In the standard First Conditional, use the present simple after if, even when the condition refers to the future.
- ❌ If she study tonight, she'll pass the test. ✅ If she studies tonight, she'll pass the test. With she, the present-simple verb needs the third-person singular form studies.
- ❌ If I finish early, I call you. ✅ If I finish early, I'll call you. In the standard First Conditional pattern, the future result is usually expressed with will + base verb.
- ❌ If he doesn't hurry, he will misses the train. ✅ If he doesn't hurry, he will miss the train. After will, use the base form of the verb. Use miss, not misses.
- ❌ If we won't leave now, we'll be late. ✅ If we don't leave now, we'll be late. Use don't or doesn't to make the present-simple condition negative. Won't belongs in a negative future result.
- ❌ If she comes, she'll to help us. ✅ If she comes, she'll help us. After will or 'll, use the base verb without to.
- ❌ If I will have enough money, I'll buy the laptop. ✅ If I have enough money, I'll buy the laptop. The future meaning of the condition does not require will after if in the normal First Conditional structure.
Learning tips
- Remember the basic pattern: if + present simple → will + base verb.
- Ask yourself whether the condition is a realistic future possibility. If it is, the First Conditional may be appropriate.
- Future time expressions such as tomorrow and next week do not change the tense after if: “If I have time tomorrow...” is correct.
- In everyday speech, contractions such as I'll, you'll, we'll, he'll, she'll, and won't are very common.
- If the if-clause comes first, use a comma after it: “If I'm free, I'll come.”
- Build practice sentences around real decisions and plans, such as weather, work, study, travel, shopping, and weekends.
- Check both meaning and grammar: the result should logically depend on the condition.
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PlannedRelated grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
Why don't we normally use will after if?
In the standard First Conditional, the if-clause uses the present simple to express the future condition. We therefore say “If it rains” rather than “If it will rain.” Will usually appears in the result clause.
Does the First Conditional always talk about the future?
At A2 level, its main use is to describe realistic or possible future conditions and their expected or likely results.
Can the if-clause come at the end of the sentence?
Yes. Both “If I'm tired, I'll go home” and “I'll go home if I'm tired” are correct. The basic meaning stays the same.
When do I need a comma in a First Conditional sentence?
Use a comma when the if-clause comes first: “If it rains, we'll stay home.” When the if-clause comes second, a comma is normally unnecessary: “We'll stay home if it rains.”
Can both parts of a First Conditional sentence be negative?
Yes. For example: “If you don't book today, you won't get a room.” The condition uses don't, and the result uses won't.
What is the difference between a future sentence and the First Conditional?
A simple future sentence states what will happen or what someone plans to do. The First Conditional makes the future result depend on a condition. Compare “I'll go out tonight” with “If I finish my work, I'll go out tonight.”
Can I use tomorrow after if?
Yes. A future time expression can appear in the if-clause, but the verb normally stays in the present simple: “If I have time tomorrow, I'll call you.”