The first talks about a real or likely future situation and its result. Use if + present simple in the condition and will + base verb in the result: If the government raises taxes on cars, fewer people will drive. Never use will in the if-clause.
What the first conditional is for
The first describes something that may well happen in the future and what will probably follow. It is a way to say cause and effect about the future. In IELTS Writing Task 2 it is very useful for predictions and solutions. In Speaking Part 3 it helps you discuss what could happen if people change their behaviour.
Think of it as two parts: the condition (the if-part) and the result (the main part). The condition is possible, not imaginary.
- If I pass the exam, I will apply for a master's degree. · possible condition, likely result
- If cities build more cycle lanes, more people will cycle. · general prediction
The pattern
The pattern is if + present simple, will + base verb. The if-clause uses the present simple even though the meaning is about the future. The result uses will (or a modal such as can, may or should).
You can put either clause first. If the if-clause is first, use a comma: If it rains, we will stay inside. If the result is first, no comma is needed: We will stay inside if it rains.
- If you study regularly, you will improve.
- You will improve if you study regularly.
- If the weather is bad, the flight may be cancelled.
Never put will after if
The most common mistake in the first is using will in the if-clause. Say If it rains, not If it will rain. The same is true after when, as soon as, before and until, which are explained in the future tenses article.
There is one small exception in polite requests (If you will wait here, I will find the manager), but this is formal and you do not need it for IELTS.
Other words and modals
You can replace if with unless (which means if not): You will miss the train unless you leave now. Do not add a second negative: not unless you don't leave.
Other useful linking phrases are as long as and provided that, which mean only if: The plan will succeed as long as people cooperate.
In the result clause you can use a modal instead of will to show how sure you are: If prices rise, people may buy less. If you feel ill, you should see a doctor. You can also use an imperative: If you have any questions, ask the teacher.
First conditional or zero conditional?
Both use the present simple in the if-clause. The difference is in the result. The first is about one possible future situation and uses will: If it rains tomorrow, the match will be postponed. The zero conditional is about things that are always true and uses the present simple in both parts: If you heat ice, it melts. Use the first for a particular future, and the zero for general facts.
Using the first conditional in Task 2
In an essay, the first can support your suggestions with a short prediction. For example: If governments invest in public transport, more people will leave their cars at home. This is stronger than only saying that governments should invest.
To sound careful and academic, use may or could in the result: If governments invest in public transport, congestion may fall. This shows that you understand it is not certain.
Practise with your own country
Practise by completing sentence starters about your own country, such as If the government builds more roads, or If people eat less meat. Write a result for each with will or may, and read your sentences aloud. Then swap the order of the clauses, and check the comma. Doing this ten times builds a feel for the pattern, so in the test you can produce an accurate in a few seconds.
Common mistakes
Check for these in your own writing:
- If I will see him, I will tell him. Say: If I see him, I will tell him.
- If it will rain, we will stay in. Say: If it rains, we will stay in.
- Unless you don't hurry, you will be late. Say: Unless you hurry, or If you don't hurry.
- If I will have time, I will help. Say: If I have time, I will help.
Who finds this hard?
- Portuguese speakers: Portuguese uses a special future form after se and quando, so the if-clause can feel as if it needs a future. In English, keep the present simple after if and when.
- Turkish speakers: Turkish puts the in a verb ending at the end of the clause. English puts if at the start and keeps the verb in the present simple.
- Japanese speakers: Japanese conditional endings (tara, ba) come at the end of the clause. In English, start the clause with if and use the present simple.
IELTS tip
Use one or two accurate first in Writing Task 2 to link a suggestion to a result, and in Speaking Part 3 to answer questions like What will happen if...? Always check that the if-clause has the present simple and that the result has will, may or should.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first conditional?
It is a sentence structure for real or likely future situations: if + present simple, will + base verb. An example is If it rains, we will stay home.
Can I use will in the if-clause?
Not normally. After if, when, unless and similar words, use the present simple to refer to the future. A rare polite exception is if you will wait here.
What does unless mean?
Unless means if not. You will fail unless you work hard means You will fail if you do not work hard.
What is the difference between the first and second conditional?
The first is for possible future situations (if it rains, we will go in). The second is for unlikely or imaginary situations (if I won the lottery, I would travel).
Sources
- Swan, M. (2016). Practical English Usage, 4th edition. Oxford University Press.
- Carter, R. and McCarthy, M. (2006). Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press.