1Complete the sentence.
2Complete the sentence.
3Complete the sentence.
4Complete the sentence.
First conditional: explanation and exercises
A2Updated 2026-09-216 exercises
The first conditional talks about real or likely situations in the future and their results. The if-clause uses the present simple, and the result clause uses will plus the bare verb.
How it is formed
- Structure
If + present simple, will + verb
If it rains, we will stay at home.
- Reversed
We will stay at home if it rains. (no comma)
- Negative
If you don’t study, you won’t pass.
When to use it
- Real possibilities: If I see him, I will tell him.
- Warnings and promises: If you touch that, you will get burned.
- Plans that depend on something else.
Common mistakes
Not this
If it will rain, we stay in.Say thisIf it rains, we will stay in.
Never use will in the if-clause.
Not this
If I will see him, I tell him.Say thisIf I see him, I will tell him.
Present in the if-clause, will in the result.
Not this
If you study you will pass.Say thisIf you study, you will pass.
Use a comma when the if-clause comes first.
Tips for teaching it
- Use a chain game: If I win the lottery, I will buy a boat. If I buy a boat, I will… Each student picks up the last result.
- Explain the missing will by asking students to circle the future meaning in the if-clause. It is present in form, future in meaning.
- Keep the situations real and local so the conditional stays a real possibility, not a fantasy.
Practice: first conditional exercises
Try these exercises. Answers are checked in your browser and never sent to us. Teachers can share this page with a class as it is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use unless in the first conditional?
Yes. Unless means “if not”: I won’t go unless you come with me.
What is the zero conditional?
If + present, present: If you heat ice, it melts. It is for facts that are always true.