First, read about first conditionals below. Then, when you are ready, try these first conditional practice exercises.

Using the first conditional

If you go out tonight, you'll have fun. (first conditional)

First conditionals talk about a possible future situation and its result.

If you go out, you'll have fun.

Careful! The first half looks like the present simple, but it's a possibility in the future.

We often use this form to make promises or threats, or to negotiate.

I'll buy you a present if I go on holiday. (promise)

I'll hit you if you do that again! (threat)

If you lend me £5, I'll buy you a drink later. (negotiation)

 

How to make the first conditional

If + present simple (for the future situation), will/won't + verb (for the result).

If you don't help me, I won't finish my work.

Things to remember:

  • It doesn't matter if you say the situation or the result first.
    I'll help you if you want = If you want, I'll help you.
  • You can use unless to mean if (you) don't.
    I won't go shopping if I don't have time.
     = I won't go shopping unless I have time.

First conditional: advanced points

You can use present simple, continuous or perfect to give the possible situation.

You can use any expression which talks about the future for the result.

A possible situation:

  • If he works too hard ...
  • If he's still working at midnight ...
  • If he hasn't finished by midnight ...

... and its result:

  • ... he's going to be tired.
  • ... he might be tired tomorrow.
  • ... please tell him to go home.

Now,  test yourself with these first conditional practice exercises.