Conditional Type 1

What is Conditional Type 1?

We use the First Conditional to talk about real possibilities in the future. These are things that are likely to happen if a certain condition is met.

If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
(It is a real possibility that it will rain.)

If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
(Passing is a likely result of studying.)

Structure

The structure has two parts: the "If" clause and the "Result" clause.

IF + Present Simple, ... WILL + Base Verb

Examples:

• If I have time, I will help you.
• If she misses the bus, she will be late.
• If we don't leave now, we will miss the movie.

You can reverse the order. If the "If" clause comes second, do not use a comma:

WILL + Base Verb ... IF + Present Simple

I will help you if I have time.
She will be late if she misses the bus.

Using "Unless"

We can use unless to mean "if... not". It makes the sentence negative.

Using IF... NOT	Using UNLESS
If you don't hurry, you will be late.	Unless you hurry, you will be late.
If he doesn't study, he will fail.	Unless he studies, he will fail.
I won't go if you don't go.	I won't go unless you go.

Variations: Other Modals

Instead of will, you can use other modal verbs like can, may, might, or must in the result clause. This changes the meaning slightly (probability or permission).

If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
(Permission)

If it rains, we might go to the cinema instead.
(Possibility / Probability)

If you want to lose weight, you must eat less sugar.
(Obligation / Advice)

Common Mistake!

Do not use "will" in the "If" clause. We use the Present Simple, even though we are talking about the future.

Incorrect: If I will see him, I will tell him.
Correct: If I see him, I will tell him.