First Conditional - Meaning, Types, How to Use It, Examples

Conditional sentences are statements that express hypothetical situations and their possible results. There are three types of Conditional sentences: Zero, First and Second conditional sentences. When we want to talk about a real and possible situation in the future and its possible outcome, we use the first conditional sentence.

Structure of the First Conditional

The structure of a First Conditional sentence is: If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb.

For Examples:

• If you complete the IELTS registration, it will become easy to study abroad.
• If you practice the IELTS sample paper regularly, it will be easy to answer questions in the exam.

Both examples follow the sentence structure of the First Conditional and are relatable for IELTS test takers.

There are two clauses in First Conditional sentence:

• If-clause (condition): If it rains (present simple)
• Main clause (result): we will stay inside (future with "will")

To express real and possible situations in day-to-day life, we use First Conditional Sentences. Below, we have mentioned some situations and examples to help you to understand First Conditional Sentences.

To Talk About Possible Future Conditions: We use First conditional sentences to discuss a condition that is likely to happen in the future.

• For Example: If you study well, you will score high.

To Warn Someone: To warn someone about possible consequences.

• For Example: If you miss any topic from the IELTS syllabus, your marks will be low.

To Give Advice or Suggestions: The First Conditional is often used to give practical advice based on a condition.

• For Example: If you don’t reach at IELTS exam centre on time, you won’t get entry.

Other than this, you can use First Conditional sentences in other situations where you want to talk about possible future events.

Here, we have listed a few common mistakes people make while using First Conditional sentences. We have also provided examples to help you understand the rules better.

Using "will" in the If-Clause: Only the Present Simple tense should be used in the if-clause, not the Future tense,

• Incorrect Sentence: If you will study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Correct Sentence: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Using “Would” at the Place of “Will”

“Would" is used in the Second Conditional (for hypothetical situations), but the First Conditional is used for real future possibilities, so use "will."

• Incorrect Sentence: If you study hard, you would pass the exam.
• Correct Sentence: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Not Adding A Comma When Starting With"If"

When the sentence starts with "If," always put a comma after the “if-clause”. But if the main clause comes first, no comma is needed

• Incorrect Sentence: If it rains we will stay inside.
• Correct Sentence: If it rains, we will stay inside.
• Correct Sentence: We will stay inside if it rains.

Now that you have understood the rules, definition, and usage of First Conditional sentences, it's important to practice them in your day-to-day life to strengthen your understanding of the topic. You can check the article on the Second Conditional sentence.