First conditional
Definition
The first conditional connects a real or possible future condition with its likely or possible result. It normally uses if + present simple in the condition and will + base verb in the result.
if + present simple, ... will + base verb
Examples
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If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.
Rain is treated as a genuine future possibility.
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I will call you if the train is delayed.
The call depends on a possible future delay.
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If Maya finishes early, she can join us.
The result uses can because it expresses possibility rather than a prediction.
First conditional vs. second conditional
If I find her address, I will send the invitation.
Finding the address is presented as realistically possible.
If I knew her address, I would send the invitation.
The sentence implies that I do not know the address now.
Find + will send describes an open future possibility. Knew + would send describes an imagined present situation.
The result does not always use will
The condition normally stays in the present simple, but the result can use a modal verb or an imperative when the meaning is permission, possibility, advice or instruction.
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If you finish the report, you can leave early.
Can expresses permission or possibility.
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If the alarm sounds, leave the building immediately.
An imperative gives an instruction that depends on the condition.
Common mistakes
If it will rain, we will cancel the picnic.
If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
The if clause normally uses the present simple, even though it refers to the future.
If she arrives early, I called her.
If she arrives early, I will call her.
The result needs a future or modal meaning when it describes what will happen after the condition.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a real future possibility?
The first conditional uses if + present simple and a future result: If the shop is open, I will buy some bread.Which clause correctly completes this sentence: If you need help, ...?
A first-conditional result can be an imperative. If you need help, call me gives an instruction linked to a possible condition.Which sentence has the correct verb form in the if clause?
The if clause uses the present simple: If Leo misses the bus. The result uses will take.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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