The first conditional is used to talk about things that are likely to happen now or in the future and their results. You can make it with If + present simple, and the future simple.

-Learn-

How do you make the first conditional

How can you use the first conditional

Practice making the first conditional

Compare the first conditional and zero conditional

Download this explanation as a PDF

How do you make the first conditional?

The first conditional is made by using If + present simple (condition), and the future simple (result).

For example:

"If I miss the bus, I'll be late for work."

Sentence Structure

You can put the possible condition (If clause) or the result first in a first conditional, like with other conditionals. When the result is first, you don’t need a comma (,).

If you wake up early, you’ll have more time to prepare.

possible condition + result

You’ll have more time to prepare if you wake up early.

result + possible condition

More First Conditional Examples

• If you eat too much, you will have a stomach ache.

• If I study hard, I’ll pass my exam.

• If you exercise everyday, you will lost weight.

• If you play with fire, you'll burn yourself!

How can you use the First conditional?

Possibilities & future results

• If we buy the house now, it will be cheaper.

• I’ll have more money later if I save some now.

• My clients will be happier if we add a bonus to their contract.

• If I don’t come to the party, my friends won’t be happy.

Common Mistakes

Never use will in the ‘if-clause’ of the sentence.

For example:

If we will buy the house now, it will be cheaper. ❌

If we buy the house now, it will be cheaper. ✅

My sister will be so excited if we will surprise her. ❌

My sister will be so excited if we surprise her. ✅

Practice making the first conditional

Compare

Zero conditional vs First Conditional

The main difference between the zero conditional and first conditional is that the zero conditional talks about general facts and truths and the first conditional is about a specific, real possibility now or in the future.

To practice understanding the difference between the zero conditional and first conditional, try this exercise.