The First Conditional

The first conditional is also known as the future real conditional. This is because it describes real actions in the future.

However, these actions depend on another action, which is shown with the "if" clause.




STRUCTURE
If + Present Simple + Simple Future


Examples:

• If it rains, I will wear a jacket.
• If I have the day off tomorrow, I will go to the beach.

USES

Possible future events that depend on other events

• If I finish my homework, I will play soccer after dinner.

What you will do in the future

• I will go to the beach this weekend if it is warm.

Likely outcomes

• If I don’t have to work late, I will go to the party.

Here are some more examples to help explain the 1st conditional:

If I make enough money this year, I will go on vacation in December.
(I do not know how much money I will make this year. I hope it is enough to go on vacation.)

If he brings the DVD, we can watch the movie.
(We do not know if he will bring the DVD or not.)

I am going to wake up early tomorrow if I have to work.
(I do not know if I have to work yet.)

What are you going to do if you can't find your keys?

What will you do if she does not drive you home?


The 1st conditional is common in spoken English. That is why you can find it in many songs like these:

First Conditional Songs


If you would like to try some tests on the future real conditional, try these links:

First Conditional Test

First Conditional Test 2