First Conditional

Grammar Practice Worksheets

Grammar Notes
FIRST CONDITIONAL

A. Introduction to Conditionals

Conditionals are used to express a hypothetical situation. This is when you

don’t know if something will happen or not, so you make a guess about
what the result might be. There are four conditional patterns in the English
language, and they usually involve an “if” clause. This lesson will focus
on the first conditional, also known as the real conditional.

B. The First Conditional

Tip #1
Pattern: If + present, will + base verb The verb in the if clause is a simple present verb, and
the verb in the main clause is will + the base form of
Use: The first conditional shows a likely or
the verb. A sentence can begin with either clause with
possible outcome that will probably happen
no change in meaning. Remember that a sentence
if a certain condition is met. that begins with an if clause is followed by a comma.

• If it’s sunny tomorrow, they will go to the beach.

• They will go to the beach if it’s sunny tomorrow.

Examples

Sentences Condition Outcome Explanation

• If I study for the test,

I will get a good grade. Studying makes it likely
studying good grade that I will get a good grade
• I will get a good grade on the test.
if I study for the test.

• If Mr. Smith has a second cup of coffee,

he will probably be late for work. Having another cup of
second cup
late for work coffee makes it possible
• Mr. Smith will probably be late for of coffee
that Mr. Smith will be late.
work if he has a second cup of coffee.

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 2
 First Conditional
Grammar Practice Worksheets

Grammar Notes cont.

B. The First Conditional cont.

Examples cont.

Sentences Condition Outcome Explanation

• If they rehearse a lot, they’ll be ready Rehearsing makes it

for their concert next weekend. ready for likely that they will be
rehearsing
• They’ll be ready for their concert concert ready to play at their
next weekend if they rehearse a lot. upcoming concert.

• If she doesn’t buy a new suit, she won’t Not buying a new
have anything to wear to the interview. something to
suit means she won’t
new suit wear to the
• She won’t have anything to wear to the have an appropriate
interview
interview if she doesn’t buy a new suit. interview outfit.

Tip #2 Tip #3 Tip #4

It is possible to have a negative The verb in the if clause will Though not as common, it is
verb in the if clause, the main end in -s if the subject is third possible to use be going to
clause, or both. The contraction person singular. + base verb or the present
of will not is won’t. progressive (which are the
• If she watches that sad
two other ways of forming the
• If I don’t pass this test, my movie, she will cry.
simple future in English) in
parents will be very angry.
• She will cry if she watches place of will + base verb with no
• If I forget to water the plants, that sad movie. change in meaning.
they won’t survive.
For example, these sentences
• If I’m not late for work again, all have the same meaning:
I won’t have to look for
• If it doesn’t rain,
another job.
we will go for a walk.
(will + V)

• If it doesn’t rain, we are

going to go for a walk.
(be going to + V)

• If it doesn’t rain, we
are going for a walk.
(be + -ing V)

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 3