What is First Conditional used for?

First conditional sentences talk about a possible future situation and the result of that situation.

First Conditional example:

(possible future situation) If I study hard, I will pass the test. (result)

(result) I will pass the test if I study hard. (possible future situation)

First Conditional example:

(possible future situation) If I get a good grade, I will be happy. (result)

(result) I will be happy if I get a good grade. (possible future situation)

If it rains, we will not go to the café.

• If clause:

• If it rains, (if + subject + present simple)

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• Main clause:

• we will not go to the café. (subject + will/won't/might* + verb)

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• *To talk about the result of the situation, use a suitable future form: will, might, be going to (for plans), present continuous

More examples:

• If we like the movie, we might see it again.

• I will fly home in the summer if I have enough money.

• His teacher might ask him to repeat the year if he doesn't work hard.

• ​If it rains, she is going to stay home.

Helpful tip!

Never use will/won't/might in an if-clause.

*If and will are not friends. They don't like to be in the same clause.

If I go to London, I might see Sherlock's home!

If he works hard, he won't fail.

Questions in First Conditional

The word order in the if-clause does not change.

Example:

If she doesn't work hard, what will happen?

More examples:

• Are his parents going to buy him a car if he works hard?

• If you don't get into university, will you look for a job?

We can make short questions using what if

What will we do if the coffee shop is closed?

What if the coffee shop is closed?

More examples:

• What will happen if she leaves school early?

• > What if she leaves school early?

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• What is he going to do if he loses his passport?

• > What if he loses his passport?

Let's try it!