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First Conditional

The first conditional is a grammar structure used to talk about future situations and their likely results.

A2Conditionals & Hypotheticals

What is the first conditional?

The first conditional is a grammar structure used to talk about future situations and their likely results.

  • The formation pattern is if + present simple, will + base form: this means we use the present simple tense in the if-clause and the will + base form in the main clause.
  • We use if to introduce the condition: this is a word that shows the situation is not certain.
  • We use will to talk about the future result: this is a verb that shows the action will happen in the future.

When do we use the first conditional?

  • We use the first conditional to talk about future situations that are likely to happen.
  • We use it to discuss the possible results of a future action.
  • We use it to make plans and predictions about the future.

Examples of the first conditional

  • If I study hard, I will pass the exam.
  • If it rains, we will take an umbrella.
  • If I have time, I will visit my friend.
  • If she gets the job, she will move to New York.
  • If they work hard, they will succeed.
  • If the weather is good, we will go to the beach.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: If I will study hard, I pass the exam.. Correct: If I study hard, I will pass the exam..
  • Wrong: If it rains, we takes an umbrella.. Correct: If it rains, we will take an umbrella..
  • Wrong: If I have time, I goes to the cinema.. Correct: If I have time, I will go to the cinema..

Learning tip

Try to practice the first conditional by making sentences about your own future plans and intentions.

Quick check
If it ____, I will take an umbrella.

Where this matters in your exam

The first conditional is relevant to IELTS tasks such as Writing Task 2, where you need to discuss possible future outcomes. It is also used in IELTS Speaking Part 2 to describe future plans.

  • Writing Task 2

    Use the first conditional to discuss possible future outcomes of a given topic.

  • Speaking Part 2

    Use the first conditional to describe your future plans and intentions.