What is the First Conditional? The definition, usage and examples

The First Conditional is a simple grammatical structure, but it appears quite frequently in tests and everyday English conversation. Let's explore the details of the structure, usage, and notes of the First Conditional in this article!

I. What is the First Conditional?

The First Conditional is used to predict actions, events, or situations that may happen in the future if a certain condition occurs beforehand. For example:

• If John does exercises, he will be healthier. 

  • Conditional clause: If John does exercise.

  • Result clause: he will be healthier.

• If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach. 

  • Conditional clause: If it doesn’t rain tomorrow.

  • Result clause: we’ll go to the beach.

II. Structure of the First Conditional

The First Conditional, like conditional sentences in general, typically consists of two clauses. One clause describes the "if" condition, while the other is the main clause that describes the result.

Notes:

• The conditional clause (If) can be positioned at the beginning or the end of the sentence. For example:

  • If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home. 

  • We will stay at home if it rains tomorrow. 

• If the "If" clause is at the front, a comma (",") is necessary between the two clauses. For example: If I have time, I will call you this evening.

• In negative conditional sentences, you can replace "If not" with "Unless." For example: You can't get a job unless you have experience. (= you can only get a job if you have experience).

III. Usage of the First Conditional

Let's explore the uses of the First Conditional below!

IV. Variations of the First Conditional

Let's explore the variations of the First Conditional below!

1. Variation of the Main Clause

2. Variations of If clause

V. Inversion of the First Conditional

To enhance understanding of this English grammar point, let’s explore the inversion of the First Conditional in detail:

For example: 

VI. Important Notes About the First Conditional

Let’s explore some important notes regarding the First Conditional:

1. Using "Shall" when the subject is "I" or "We":

Students can use "shall" instead of "will" after the subjects "I" or "we" in the main clause, especially in formal contexts.

• If you do that one more time, I shall be very angry. 

• Unless the money is returned, we shall shortly be contacting our legal department. 

2. Using "will" in the "If" Clause for Requests:

According to the structure of the First Conditional, the "If" clause is typically in the simple present tense; however, "will" can be used when indicating someone's willingness to do something.

• If Anna’ll just wait a moment, John’ll find someone to help her. 

• If you will sign here, we can proceed with the registration. 

3. When Emphasizing Ongoing States or Completed Actions (Less Common):

When emphasizing ongoing states, completed actions, or continuity of an event, the First Conditional can be used as follows:

If + simple present, future continuous / future perfect.

For example: 

• If they do not change their decision, we will be protesting in front of the town hall.

• If you finish your work by 5 PM, we will have completed the project. 

4. Command Situations in the First Conditional 

In this case, the subject is implied in the main clause of the First Conditional. The structure is as follows:

If + simple present, (do not) + V-inf

For example:

• If the people from her company call, tell them I'll call them back later. 

• If Peter comes back home, tell him I go out with my friends. 

5. For Suggestions, Recommendations, or Advice Emphasizing Action

For sentences that make suggestions, recommendations, or advice while emphasizing action, you can use the First Conditional with the following structure:

If + simple present, … would like to / must / have to / should … + V-inf.

For example: 

• Sarah should feel more relaxed if she joins the concert. 

• If you finish your homework, you should go outside and play. 

VII. Exercises on the First Conditional

To apply your knowledge and better understand the structure of the First Conditional, let's work on some exercises!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences with the correct verb form

1. If you … (be) scared of tigers, … (go) into the zoo.

2. This company … (accept) our conditions, if John … (meet) them tonight.

3. Take some bread, if you … (be) hungry.

4. John should visit the museum if he … (be) here.

5. Susan (can/not/move) ......................... into the new house if it (not/be) ......................... ready on time.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences as First Conditional sentences

1. You want to meet Jenny? Go there!

2. Go away or Anna calls the police.

3. John helps Jenny to do this task, so she plans to pay him more.

4. Sara wants to buy a new laptop, so she borrows my money.

5. If he doesn’t help with the chores, he won’t get pocket money.

2. Answer keys

In the previous sections, PREP has introduced detailed information about the First Conditional in English. This grammar point is commonly taught by top instructors in PREP's online IELTS course. Don’t forget to take notes on its meanings, usage, and examples to enhance your understanding effectively! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below!