The First Conditional

Talk about real possibilities in the future.

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The Structure

If + Present Simple, ... will + Verb

  • The "If" Clause (Condition): Uses the Present Simple tense. It describes a possible situation.
  • The Main Clause (Result): Uses "will" (or can, may, might) + the base verb. It describes the likely result.
Example 1

If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.

Example 2 (Inverted)

She will miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.

Note: When "if" is in the middle, we don't use a comma.

Key Tip

Never use "will" in the "if" clause!
If I will see him... ❌
If I see him... ✅

Negatives

Use don't / doesn't in the if-clause and won't in the main clause.

Structure

If + Present Simple (Negative), ... won't + Verb

  • If it doesn't rain, we will go out.
  • If I am late, I won't get the job.

Questions

Change the order in the Main Clause to make a question.

Structure

(Wh-) + Will + Subject + Verb ... if ... ?

  • Will you come if I invite you?
  • What will she do if she fails?

Position of "If" & Punctuation

You can start the sentence with the If-clause or the Main clause. The meaning is exactly the same, but the punctuation changes.

Option 1

"If" at the beginning

When the sentence starts with "If", use a comma to separate the clauses.

If it rains, I will stay home.

Option 2

"If" in the middle

When "if" is in the middle, do NOT use a comma.

I will stay home if it rains. (No comma!)

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