Mastering the First Conditional: A Guide to Expressing Real Possibilities

Introduction

The first conditional in English expresses situations that are possible or likely to happen in the future if certain conditions are met. This structure helps us talk about real possibilities and the likely outcomes that follow.

First conditional sentences can describe what will happen if certain conditions are fulfilled, making it especially useful for everyday conversations and planning for future situations.

In this post, we’ll explore what First Conditional Sentences are, how to use them, and common mistakes to avoid. We’ll also offer examples, practice exercises, and helpful tips for remembering this important grammar point.

What is the First Conditional?

The First Conditional is a structure used to talk about real situations that could happen in the future if a certain condition is met. Unlike the Zero Conditional, which describes facts and general truths, the First Conditional expresses possible or likely outcomes.

• Example: “If you study hard, you will pass the test

In this sentence, the condition (studying hard) leads to a possible future result (passing the test).

Uses of First Conditional Sentences

First Conditional Sentences are used to express realistic future possibilities and their outcomes. Common uses include:

• Plans and Decisions
  • Example: “If it rains tomorrow, we’ll cancel the picnic.”
• Warnings
  • Example: “If you don’t save your work, you might lose it.”
• Promises and Offers
  • Example: “If you need help, I’ll be there.”
• Conditions with Future Implications
  • Example: “If you exercise regularly, you’ll feel healthier.”

Structure and Grammar of the First Conditional Sentences

The structure of the First Conditional is:

• If + Present Simple, will + base verb.

First conditional sentences can be also used with modal verbs (see below)

Remember that:

• You can start the sentence with “if” or “when” if you are expressing a certain condition that could realistically happen.
• Remember that the Present Simple tense is used in the condition clause, and will + base verb is used in the result clause.

Example Sentences:

• “If you exercise regularly, you will feel better.”
• “When you finish your homework, I will help you with the project.”

Modals in First Conditional Sentences

In the First Conditional, you can use modals in the result clause to express a range of possible outcomes, giving your sentences more nuance. Modals like may, might, shall, should, can, and could show that the result is likely but not guaranteed.

Examples with Modals:

• If you exercise regularly, you may lose weight.
  (This suggests a possibility, not a guarantee.)
• If she studies more, she might improve her grades.
  (This indicates that an improvement is possible but not certain.)
• If you ask nicely, he can help you.
  (This implies that permission or ability is possible in this situation.)
• If we save enough money, we could go on vacation next summer.
  (Here, “could” implies a strong but still conditional possibility.)
• If you see him, you should let him know about the meeting.
• (This is advice suggesting that letting him know is the right thing to do.)
• If you get the job, you should start preparing right away.
• (This suggests that preparation is advisable if the job offer happens.)

Key Point: Using modals in the First Conditional allows you to adjust the level of certainty or permission about the outcome.

Common Uses of the First Conditional

First conditional sentences are used in different situations:

• Making Plans
  • Example: “If we leave early, we’ll catch the morning train.”
• Giving Advice
  • Example: “If you study now, you’ll have more free time later.”
• Setting Conditions
  • Example: “If you want dessert, you need to finish your vegetables.”
• Expressing Future Possibilities
  • Example: “If the weather is good, we’ll go hiking.”

Examples of First Conditional Sentences

Here are some examples of the First Conditional in a range of real-life contexts:

1. “If you drink a lot of strong coffee in the evening, you may not sleep well.”
2. “If they arrive on time, we will start the meeting at 10 a.m.”
3. “When you turn 18, you’ll be able to vote.”
4. “If you call me later, I’ll explain everything.”
5. “If the traffic is heavy, we’ll take a different route.”
6. “If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.”
7. “If you study hard, you might pass the exam with flying colors.”
8. “If he doesn’t bring an umbrella, he could get soaked in the rain.”
9. “When she finishes work early, she’ll have time to join us for dinner.”
10. “If we don’t hurry, we may miss the last train.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the First Conditional, keep these points in mind:

• Avoid using future tenses in the if-clause. Always use the Present Simple for the condition.
  • Incorrect: “If you will come early, I will help you.”
  • Correct: “If you come early, I will help you.”
• Don’t mix conditionals. The First Conditional is for real possibilities; keep both clauses focused on realistic future outcomes.
• Only use “will” in the result clause, not in the condition clause.

Tips for Remembering the First Conditional

Think of the First Conditional as expressing real future outcomes. A simple way to remember this is:

• “If it’s possible, it’s First Conditional.”

This phrase emphasizes that the First Conditional is for situations that are likely to happen if the condition is met.

Practice Exercise: Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

Complete each sentence with the correct verb form to make it a First Conditional sentence.

FAQs About the First Conditional

Conclusion

The first conditional sentences are useful for discussing possible future situations and their outcomes. Remember that both the structure and context focus on real possibilities. Practicing the first conditional in conversations about plans, advice, and future events can help solidify your understanding and usage.

Try making your own first conditional sentences about your daily plans or upcoming events, and see how naturally this structure can fit into your everyday English!

More about conditionals.

Related Pages

• Conditional Sentences In English (Real and Unreal Conditionals – If Clauses)
• Understanding Zero Conditional Sentences: Rules, Uses, and Examples
• Understanding the Second Conditional in English: Uses, Structure, and Examples
• Understanding the Third Conditional: Expressing Unreal Past Scenarios
• If or Unless
• Grammar Exercise: Conditional Sentences (Mixed)
• Grammar Exercise: Conditional Sentences (Conditionals In English)
• Grammar Exercise: Conditional Sentences Type 3
• Grammar Exercise: Conditional type 1
• Conditional Sentences Type 2 Exercise
• Teaching Conditional Type 1 Lesson Plan
• The Third Conditional Lesson Plan
• How To Teach Conditional Sentence Type 1