What Is the First Conditional?
The first conditional is for something that might really happen, and what happens then. It has two halves: the if half and the result.
THE IF HALFNot sure yet
If it rains on Sunday, we'll watch a film at home.
THE RESULTwill + base verb
If you leave now, you'll catch the last bus.
If + present simple, then will + base verb, even about the future.
The result can also use can: If you're free tomorrow, we can go to the beach.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"If we hurry, we blank there on time."
The forms
IF FIRST
IfS + present simple,S + will + V
If the shop is open, I'll buy some bread.
Put a comma after the if half.
IF SECOND
S + will + VifS + present simple
My mum will be angry if I get home late.
Same meaning. No comma.
NEGATIVE
IfSdon't / doesn'tV,Swon'tV
If he doesn't call, I won't wait.
QUESTION
WhatwillSVifS + present simple?
What will you do if your phone breaks?
TRY IT
- Question 1
"If you blank your homework, the teacher will be upset."
When to use it
Promises and offers
If you carry the bags, I'll cook dinner.
A deal between two people.
Common phrases: I'll pay · I'll help you · I'll call you
Warnings
If you run on the wet floor, you'll fall.
Something bad will happen.
Common phrases: you'll get hurt · you'll be late · you'll miss it
Instructions
If you see Hoa, tell her I'm outside.
The result can be an order, with no will.
Common phrases: call me · text me · tell him
If or When?
If: it might happen, or it might not. When: you know it will happen.
| IF | WHEN | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | If I find your keys, I'll call you. | When I get home, I'll call you. |
| Verb | present simple | present simple |
TRY IT
- Question 1
"I'm at work until five. blank I finish, I'll phone you."
- Question 2
"I'm not sure about the weather. blank it's sunny, we'll go to the beach."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:If she will call me, I'll tell you.
Correct:If she calls me, I'll tell you.
No will in the if half, even about the future.
Incorrect:If you don't hurry now, you miss the train.
Correct:If you don't hurry now, you'll miss the train.
The result needs will.
Incorrect:If he come early, we will start.
Correct:If he comes early, we will start.
He, she, it: add -s.
Incorrect:When I will arrive, I'll text you.
Correct:When I arrive, I'll text you.
No will after when, too.
Incorrect:If Nam is late, we won't to wait.
Correct:If Nam is late, we won't wait.
No to after won't.
Incorrect:What you will do if the train is full?
Correct:What will you do if the train is full?
In a question, will goes before the subject.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct word:
If you lend me your bike, I will bring it back tonight.
- A. bring
- B. will bring — Correct
- C. brought
Answer: B. will bring
Will + base verb.
Choose the correct word:
If Minh passes the exam, his parents will be very happy.
- A. pass
- B. passes — Correct
- C. will pass
Answer: B. passes
After he, she or it, add -s or -es.
Choose the correct words:
If it doesn't stop raining, we won't play the match.
- A. won't play — Correct
- B. not play
- C. won't to play
Answer: A. won't play
No to after won't.
Choose the correct sentence:
If you need it, I'll lend you my umbrella.
- A. If you need it, I'll lend you my umbrella. — Correct
- B. If you need, it I'll lend you my umbrella.
- C. If, you need it I'll lend you my umbrella.
Answer: A. If you need it, I'll lend you my umbrella.
With if second, no comma.
Choose the correct word:
My sister's plane lands at nine. When she arrives, we'll go out for dinner.
- A. If
- B. When — Correct
Answer: B. When
The plane has a landing time.
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Start the quiz · 12 questions
