First Conditional
Elementary (A2)en
First conditional
First Conditional – Real Possibilities in the Future
In this lesson, you will learn how to use the first conditional to talk about things that might happen in the future if a condition is met.
Quick Revision: Zero Conditional
Zero conditional talks about facts, general truths, and habits.
Structure: If clause (present simple) + main clause (present simple)
Example:
“If it rains, the grass gets wet.”
“If it rains, the grass gets wet.”
1. What Is the First Conditional?
The first conditional is used to talk about:
- Specific situations in the future
- Things that might happen if a condition is met
Key idea:
If clause (present simple) + main clause (will + base verb)
(If this happens, that will happen)
2. Structure of First Conditional
If + subject + present simple, subject + will + base verb
Examples:
- “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.”
- “If I finish my homework, I will watch TV.”
- “If she studies hard, she will pass the test.”
3. Common Uses of First Conditional
A. Real Future Possibilities
- “If I have time, I will visit my friend.”
- “If the bus is late, I will be late for school.”
B. Specific situations
- “If you touch that, you will hurt yourself.”
- “If you don’t study, you will fail.”
4. Zero vs First Conditional
Zero conditional
- Time: Always true / facts
- Use: Facts, habits, general truths
- Structure: If clause (present simple) + main clause (present simple)
(If this happens, that happens)
- Example:
“If you press the button, the light turns on.”
Why we use zero conditional:
This is a fact, always true whenever you press the button.
Cause and effect: pressing the button → light turns on.
General truth, not a specific situation.
Why we use zero conditional:
This is a fact, always true whenever you press the button.
Cause and effect: pressing the button → light turns on.
General truth, not a specific situation.
First conditional
- Time: Specific situation in the future
- Use: Realistic future events
- Structure: If clause (present simple) + main clause (will + main verb)
(If this happens, that will happen)
- Example:
“If you press the button tomorrow, the light will turn on.”
Why we use first conditional:
This talks about a specific situation in the future (tomorrow).
Real possibility: the light will turn on if the button is pressed tomorrow.
We use will + base verb for the main clause because it refers to a future action.
Why we use first conditional:
This talks about a specific situation in the future (tomorrow).
Real possibility: the light will turn on if the button is pressed tomorrow.
We use will + base verb for the main clause because it refers to a future action.
5. Easy Way to Remember
- Zero Conditional: If this happens → that always happens
- First Conditional: If this happens → that might happen in the future
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic