Grammar › Conditionals

First conditional

580 fill-in-the-gap exercises, 58 tests of ten

Present tense after if, will in the other half. For something that might really happen.

The pattern

Present after if, will in the result:

If the shop is closed, we*’ll** go to the market.*

Both halves are about the future. Only the second one shows it.

After when, as soon as, until, before

The same rule extends to every time word:

I’ll call you when I arrive. — not when I will arrive. Wait here until he comes. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.

This is the most useful thing on this page, because these clauses turn up constantly.

Other endings besides will

The result half can take any way of talking about the future:

• If you ask him, he might say yes. — less certain
• If you’re passing, come in. — an invitation
• If it rains, we can eat inside. — an option
• If you want to catch it, you should leave now. — advice

unless

Unless replaces if not:

We’ll be late unless we leave now. = if we don’t leave now.

Threats and promises

The first conditional is how English makes both:

If you touch that, you*’ll** regret it.* If you finish by five, I*’ll** buy dinner.*

All forms

Examples

Taken from the 580 sentences in this drill. The answer is highlighted.

• If they win the match, they will get the championship.
• If they don't hurry up, they will be late for the concert.
• If they invite me, I will go to their wedding.
• If they arrive early, we will have time to prepare.
• If they arrive late, they will miss the start of the movie.
• If he eats too much, he will feel a stomachache.
• If I pass my exams, my mom will buy me a new phone.
• If she buys a new dress, she will wear it to the party.
• If you don't pass the test, you will take it again.
• If they don't study for the test, they will fail it.
• If they score a goal, the team will win the game.
• If you give me your phone number, I will call you.

Mistakes to avoid

Other forms of Conditionals