A2 Elementary Future forms and the first conditional
First conditional
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say if … then … about likely future events, and you will stop writing If it will rain.
When to use it
- Real, possible conditions: If it rains, we will stay at home.
- Warning about consequences: If you don't study, you will fail.
- Conditional promises: If you help me, I will buy you a coffee.
Form
| Clause | Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The if clause (condition) | present simple | If it rains, |
| Main clause (result) | will + base verb | we will stay at home. |
| Swap the clauses | drop the comma | We will stay at home if it rains. |
Step by step
- Find the if clause.
- Put its verb in the present simple, even though you mean the future.
- The other clause takes will + base verb.
- If the if-clause comes first, use a comma; if it comes second, do not.
What can replace will
| Main clause | Example |
|---|---|
| will + V | If you run, you will catch it. |
| may / might + V | If you run, you might catch it. |
| can + V | If you finish early, you can go home. |
| base verb (imperative) | If you feel ill, go to the doctor. |
Examples
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
I will call you if I have time.
If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
If you press this button, the machine starts.
If you feel ill, go to the doctor.
Common mistakes
If it will rain, we will stay home. → If it rains, we will stay home.
Never use will after if. Vietnamese allows the future word in both halves, so learners copy it across.
If he comes, I tell him. → If he comes, I will tell him.
The result clause needs will; without it the sentence describes a habit, not the future.
If she will study hard, she will pass. → If she studies hard, she will pass.
Only one clause carries will — the result.
Memory tip
Picture it: will cannot cross the word if. The if-clause stays present, even though the meaning is future.
Summary
- If + present simple, + will + base verb.
- Never put will straight after if.
- The clauses can swap; no comma when the if-clause comes second.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.