The first conditional is one of the four main forms of conditionals in English. Conditionals are verb tenses that allow us to speculate, hypothesize or imagine what the situation would be like with other conditions.

In this post we will learn the first conditional at level II, so the explanations are in English and the examples shown have an intermediate difficulty.

Uses of the first conditional

We use the first conditional for:

1. Talking about future situations we believe are real or possible.

If I study enough these weeks, I will pass the English test.
If you fertilize your cacti in spring, they will bloom during summer.
If we leave now, we will make it to the airport on time.
If the weather forecast is correct, it will rain this week.

2. Making plans.

If it's sunny this weekend, we will go hiking in the mountains.
If Clara arrives on time, you will go to the cinema before dinner.
If I finish my homework early, I will go for a walk in the park.
If we enjoy our visit to Disneyland Paris, we will go next year again.

3. Give advice, warning or talking about superstitions.

If you call Michael and apologize, you will be friends again.
If you take psychotropic substances, you will have health problems.
If you break a mirror, you will have several years of bad luck.
If you see a shooting star, your wishes will come true.

Structure of the first conditional

Affirmative sentences

If + present simple + , + will + infinitive

If you pet my cat gently, it will fall asleep on your lap.
If you go to bed early, tomorrow you will be rested.
If Nick and Anna get married next year, we will go to their wedding.
If you don't listen to him carefully, it will be difficult for you to understand him.

It’s also possible to use the same structure but inverting both clauses and eliminating the comma:

Will + infinitive + if + present simple

My cat will fall asleep on your lap if you pet it gently.
Tomorrow you will be rested if you go to bed early.
We will go to Nick and Anna wedding if they get married next year.
It will be difficult for you to understand him If you don't listen to him carefully.

Note: We usually use the contraction ’ll instead of will when using an informal register.

If I’m not at home, I’ll give you a key. = If I am not at home, I will give you a key.
You’ll win the race if you train hard = You will win the race if you train hard.

Negative sentences

If + present simple + , + will not + infinitive

If you continue without studying, you will not pass the exam.
If you don't put the pot on the fire, the soup won't get hot.
If you betray a good friend, he will not trust you anymore.
If I don't sweep the floor, the house won't be clean.

As in affirmative sentences, you can use the same structure but inverting both clauses:

Will not + infinitive + if + present simple

You will not pass the exam if you continue without studying.
The soup won't get hot if you don't put the pot on the fire.
A good friend will not trust you anymore if you betray him.
The house won't be clean if I don't sweep the floor.

Note: We usually use the contraction won’t instead of will not when using an informal register.

If you don't buy the tickets, we won't be able to see the movie. = If you do not buy the tickets, we will not be able to see the movie.
If Anthony goes to another school, he’ll no longer be with us. = If Anthony goes to another school, he will no longer be with us.

Interrogative sentences

If + present simple + , + will + subject + infinitive + ?

If there is a storm tomorrow, will we go to the beach?
If the plane is delayed, will we arrive at our destination on time?
If this paint gets on my clothes, will the stain come off easily?
If I buy this present for Mark, will he like it?

You can also invert both clauses in interrogative sentences without changing the meaning.

Will + subject + infinitive + infinitive + if + present simple + ?

Will we go to the beach if there is a storm tomorrow?
Will we arrive at our destination on time if the plane is delayed?
Will the stain come off easily if this paint gets on my clothes?
Will Mark like this present if I buy it for him?

First conditional - Level II