The First Conditional (If…)
Talk about real future possibilities and their results: if + present simple, will + base verb. A2 grammar with 20 questions.
The first conditional talks about a real possibility in the future and its result. “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.” The condition is possible, and the result is likely.
The structure
| If-part (condition) | Result-part |
|---|---|
| If + present simple | will + base verb |
| If you practise, | you will improve. |
| If it rains, | we will stay home. |
The golden ruleUse the present simple after “if” (not “will”), and will in the other part. Both halves point to the future, but only one uses “will.”
You can swap the order
Either part can come first. If the if-part comes first, use a comma.
- If you study, you will pass. (comma after the if-part)
- You will pass if you study. (no comma)
Examples from EduCareer
- If Aisha finishes early, she will help Yusuf.
- If you book a free lesson, a tutor will contact you.
- We won’t start if everyone isn’t ready.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersThe most common mistake is putting “will” after “if.” In English we say “If it rains…” (present simple), never “If it will rain…” Keep “will” for the result half only.
Common mistakes
- If you will study, you will pass. → If you study, you will pass.
- If it rains, we stay home. → If it rains, we will stay home.
- If she finish early… → If she finishes early…
Practise the first conditional with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."If you study hard, you ___ the exam."
Result part → will pass.
2."If it ___, we will stay home."
After if → present simple: rains.
3.Which is correct?
present simple after if, will in result.
4.Which is correct?
will in the result part.
5."If she ___ early, she will help Yusuf."
she + present simple: finishes.
6.What tense goes after "if"?
present simple after if.
7.What goes in the result part?
will + base verb.
8."You will pass ___ you study."
if introduces the condition.
9.Comma needed? "If you study___ you will pass."
If-part first → use a comma.
10."If you book a free lesson, a tutor ___ you."
result → will contact.
11."If I ___ time, I will call you."
after if → present simple: have.
12."We ___ start if everyone is ready."
will start.
13.Negative result: "If you don't practise, you ___ improve."
won't improve.
14."If he ___ late, we will start without him."
after if → is (present).
15.Choose the correct sentence:
she finishes (present simple).
16."If they ___ hard, they will succeed."
they + work (present simple).
17."What will you do if it ___?"
after if → rains.
18."If you ___ this lesson, you will feel confident."
you + finish (present simple).
19.Order without comma: "You will learn fast ___ you practise daily."
result first, then if (no comma).
20."If the weather ___ nice, we will go out."
after if → is.
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