Learn how to use the First Conditional to talk about real future situations. Understand sentences like If it rains, we will stay inside.
The First Conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It expresses a condition that, if met, will lead to a result in the future.
The First Conditional helps you talk about likely events or actions that depend on something happening in the future.
The First Conditional is formed with: If + present simple, will + base verb. For example: If it rains, we will stay inside.
If it rains, we will stay inside.
If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
If they invite me, I will go to the party.
Rules for Using the First Conditional
Use present simple in the 'if' clause for real future conditions
Use will in the main clause to express the future result of the condition
The First Conditional is used for real and possible future situations, not for hypothetical or imaginary situations
Special Cases & Exceptions:
In informal speech, 'will' can sometimes be replaced with 'can' or 'may' when expressing a possibility, but 'will' is still the most common.
In informal situations, 'can' or 'may' might be used instead of 'will', but 'will' is the standard choice.
| Example | Tense | Use |
|---|---|---|
| If it rains, we will stay inside. | Present Simple + Will | Real future situation |
| If you finish your homework, we will watch a movie. | Present Simple + Will | Possible future result |
| If I wake up early, I will go for a run. | Present Simple + Will | Real future plan |
| If they call me, I will answer. | Present Simple + Will | Real possibility |
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