Aung Education Centre

First Conditional

Introduction

The first conditional (also called conditional type 1) is a structure used for talking about possibilities in the present or in the future. This page will explain how the first conditional is formed, and when to use it.

---

1. The structure of a first conditional sentence

A first conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:

if clause	main clause
If you study hard,	you will pass the test.

If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:

main clause	if clause
You will pass the test	if you study hard.

We use different verb forms in each part of a first conditional:

main clause	if clause
You will pass the test	if you study hard.

2. Using the first conditional

The first conditional is used to talk about things which are possible in the present or the future — things which may happen:

Example	Explanation
If it's sunny, we'll go to the park.	Maybe it will be sunny — that's possible.
Paula will be sad if Juan leaves.	Maybe Juan will leave — that's possible.
If you cook the supper, I'll wash the dishes.	Maybe you will cook the supper — that's possible.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

First Conditional

Choose the correct form of each verb to complete each sentence.

Click on the correct answer.

1. If we don't protect the elephant, it ________ extinct.
   1.   becomes
   2.   will become
2. You ________ heart disease if you eat too much meat.
   1.   will get
   2.   get
3. If you don't put so much sugar in your coffee, you ________ so much weight!
   1.   don't put on
   2.   won't put on
4. You won't pass the course if you ________.
   1.   don't study
   2.   won't study
5. She ________ completely different if she cuts her hair.
   1.   looks
   2.   will look
6. You ________ better if you turn on the lamp.
   1.   are able to see
   2.   will be able to see
7. If I ________ some eggs, how many ________?
   1.   will cook / do you eat
   2.   cook / will you eat
8. If you ________ an apple every day, you'll be very healthy.
   1.   will eat
   2.   eat
9. You'll pay higher insurance if you ________ a sports car.
   1.   buy
   2.   will buy
10. If a deer ________ into your garden, it ________ all your plants.
    1.   will get / eats
    2.   gets / will eat

First Conditional

Put the correct form of each verb in brackets into the box.

Type all of your answers in the spaces and the and click on "Check answers". If you need help, click "Show a letter".

1. If you (not study), you (fail) the test.
2. We (die) if we (not get) help soon!
3. If you (look) in the fridge, you (find) some cold drinks.
4. If there (be) no oil in the engine, the car (break) down.
5. I (lend) you my umbrella if you (need) it.
6. The sea level (rise) if the planet (get) hotter.
7. If you (eat) your sandwiches now, you (not have) anything for lunch!
8. You (be) safe in an accident if you (wear) your seatbelt.
9. If he (save) all his money, he (be able to go) on holiday to Canada.
10. I (not come) with you if you (not bring) John!