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First conditional: If it rains, I will stay
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 20 of 25
The first conditional talks about possible situations in the future and their results. You use it for plans, warnings and promises.
Form
If + present simple, will / won’t + base verb. You know will from earlier in A2.
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If it rains tomorrow, | I‘ll stay at home. |
| If you study, | you‘ll pass the test. |
| If Ken doesn’t hurry, | he won’t catch the bus. |
The if part can come second. Then we do not use a comma: I’ll stay at home if it rains.
Use
We use it for things that are possible and quite likely in the future.
If I have time, I‘ll call you.
If you don’t wear a coat, you‘ll be cold.
We‘ll go to the beach if the weather is nice.
If Anna gets the job, she‘ll move to Berlin.
What will you do if you miss the train?
If you touch the dog, it will bite you.
I won’t come if you don’t invite Tom.
Unless
Unless means if … not: I won’t go unless you come = I won’t go if you don’t come.
Common mistakes
✗ If it will rain, we’ll stay at home.
✓ If it rains, we’ll stay at home.
✗ If you study, you pass. (future)
✓ If you study, you will pass.
✗ If she don’t hurry, she will be late.
✓ If she doesn’t hurry, she will be late.
✗ I’ll call you if I will see him.
✓ I’ll call you if I see him.