First Conditional Exercises and Examples

First Conditional – Exercises

These exercises focus on First Conditional

TLDR

First Conditional = Possible future situations (If + Present, Will + Verb)
NEVER use "will" in the if-clause!
Use "might," "can," or "may" instead of "will" for different meanings
"Unless" = "If not"

What Is the First Conditional?

The First Conditional is used for:

Possible future events → "If it rains, we will stay inside."
Likely consequences → "If you study, you will pass the exam."
Warnings and promises → "If you touch that, you will get burned!"

First Conditional Structure

If + present simple, will + base verb

Examples:

If you eat too much, you will feel sick.
If she calls me, I will answer.
If they win the game, they will be champions.

Tip: The "if" clause describes the condition (present simple), and the main clause shows the result (will + base verb).

First Conditional Variations

1. Using "can", "may", or "might" instead of "will"

If you study, you can pass the exam. (Ability)
If you hurry, you might catch the train. (Possibility)
If it’s sunny, we may go to the beach. (Possibility)

2. Using imperatives

If you see Tom, tell him to call me.
If you finish early, come and help me.

3. Using "unless" ( = if not)

Unless you study, you will fail. (= If you don’t study, you will fail.)
Unless it rains, we will have a picnic. (= If it doesn’t rain, we will have a picnic.)

First Conditional vs. Zero Conditional

Feature	First Conditional	Zero Conditional
Meaning	Possible future situations	General truths & facts
Tense	If + Present Simple, Will + Base Verb	If + Present Simple, Present Simple
Example	If it rains, we will stay inside.	If it rains, the ground gets wet.
Can "if" be replaced with "when"?	No, because the future is uncertain.	Yes, because it’s always true.

Tip: If the result is always true, use the Zero Conditional. If it’s possible but not certain, use the First Conditional.

Common Mistakes in First Conditional

Mistake	Incorrect	Correct
Using "will" in the if-clause	If she will call, I will answer.	If she calls, I will answer.
Using the present tense in the result clause	If it rains, we stay inside.	If it rains, we will stay inside.
Using "would" instead of "will"	If you study, you would pass.	If you study, you will pass.

Rule: NEVER use "will" after "if"! The if-clause is always in present simple.

Compare other Conditionals: Zero Conditional, Second Conditional, Third Conditional, Mixed Conditionals.

FAQ: Common Questions About the First Conditional

Can I use "will" in the if-clause?

No! The if-clause is always in present simple.

Incorrect: If you will study, you will pass.
Correct: If you study, you will pass.

Can I use "unless" instead of "if not"?

Yes!

Unless you study, you will fail. (= If you don’t study, you will fail.)

What’s the difference between "if" and "when" in First Conditional?

"If" = Possible situation
"When" = Certain situation

If it rains, we will stay inside. (Maybe it will rain.)
When it rains, we stay inside. (It always happens.)

Can I use "might" or "can" instead of "will"?

Yes, but it changes the meaning!

If you study, you might pass. (Possibility)
If you study, you can pass. (Ability)