Form the first conditional with if plus the present simple in one clause and will plus the base verb in the result clause, as in if it rains, I will stay home. The if clause never takes will; that verb always appears only in the result clause.
Grammar Rule
The if clause never takes will; that appears only in the result clause.
First Conditional: Rules and Examples
| Clause | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If clause | If + present simple | If it rains… If you don’t hurry… |
| Result clause | will + base verb | …I will stay home. …you will miss the bus. If she studies hard, she will pass the exam. |
Remember: the if clause never has will; that verb always goes in the result clause.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct first conditional sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
First Conditional
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the first conditional?
Use if plus the present simple for the condition and will plus the base verb for the result, as in if she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
Can will appear in the if clause?
No, will never appears in the if clause; it only appears in the result clause after the condition is stated.
What kind of situations does the first conditional describe?
It describes real or likely future situations, things that could realistically happen if the condition is met.
Can the result clause come before the if clause?
Yes, you can reverse the order, as in I will stay home if it rains, without changing the meaning, though a comma is used only when if comes first.