First Conditional

Plans That'll Probably Go Tits Up

The First Conditional is for making plans that will probably go tits up anyway. It's about real possibilities in the future - things that might actually happen if you're not completely useless.

The Magic Formula (Don't Cock This Up):

If + present simple, will + base verb

The 'if' part uses present simple, the result uses 'will' + base verb.

If Clause (Condition)	Main Clause (Result)	Example
If it rains tomorrow	I will stay home	If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home.
If you study hard	you will pass the exam	If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
If she calls me	I will answer	If she calls me, I will answer.

When to Use This Hopeful Grammar

1. Real Future Possibilities:

"If I save enough money, I will buy a car." (Optimistic, aren't we?)
"If the weather is nice, we will have a picnic." (Weather permitting)
"If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus." (Reality check)

2. Promises and Threats:

"If you help me, I will help you." (Fair trade)
"If you don't stop that noise, I will call the police." (Final warning)
"If you come to the party, I will introduce you to Sarah." (Social bribery)

3. Warnings and Advice:

"If you eat too much cake, you will feel sick." (Voice of experience)
"If you don't wear a coat, you will get cold." (Motherly advice)
"If you keep smoking, you will damage your health." (Stating the obvious)

Alternative Ways to Express the Same Bollocks

Instead of 'will', you can use other modal verbs:

Modal Verb	Example	Meaning
can	If you finish early, you can go home.	Permission/possibility
may	If it rains, we may cancel the event.	Possibility (more formal)
might	If you ask nicely, she might help you.	Less certain possibility
should	If you feel unwell, you should see a doctor.	Advice/recommendation

Don't Be a Muppet - Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong:

"If it will rain, I will stay home." (Don't use 'will' in the if-clause!)
"If I will have time, I call you." (Mixed up the parts, you numpty)

✅ Right:

"If it rains, I will stay home." (Present simple in if-clause)
"If I have time, I will call you." (Much better, well done)

Practice Exercises (Make Some Plans)

Exercise 1: Complete the First Conditionals

1. If you (not / study), you (fail) the test.

2. If it (snow) tomorrow, we (build) a snowman.

3. If she (arrive) late, the meeting (start) without her.

4. If you (eat) all your vegetables, you (can / have) dessert.

Exercise 2: Fix the Mistakes

1. If it will be sunny, we to the beach.
Correct: If it sunny, we will go to the beach.

2. If I will have money, I a new car.
Correct: If I money, I will buy a new car.

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Well done! You can now make plans that might actually work out!