Future Conditional Tense in English (First Conditional)

1. Structure of Future Conditional (Affirmative Only)

The Future Conditional consists of two parts: a condition clause (if-clause) and a result clause (main clause).

Basic Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb

Examples:

• If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If she arrives early, we will have time to talk.
• If they invite us, we will go to the party.
• If the weather is nice, we will go for a picnic.
• If he doesn't hurry, he will miss the train.
• If we save enough money, we will buy a new car.

Alternative Word Order

The clauses can be reversed without changing the meaning:

Structure: Will + base verb + if + present simple

• I will stay at home if it rains tomorrow.
• You will pass the exam if you study hard.
• We will have time to talk if she arrives early.

2. Verb Forms in Each Clause

In the IF-Clause (Condition)

Always use present simple, even though the meaning is future:

In the MAIN Clause (Result)

Use will + base verb for all subjects:

3. Main Uses of Future Conditional

1. Real Future Possibilities

For situations that are likely or possible to happen:

• If the weather improves, we will go to the beach.
• If you exercise regularly, you will feel better.
• If the company grows, they will hire more employees.
• If technology continues to advance, life will become easier.

2. Warnings and Consequences

To warn about negative consequences:

• If you don't wear a coat, you will catch a cold.
• If we don't leave now, we will be late.
• If he drives too fast, he will have an accident.
• If they don't study, they will fail the test.

3. Promises and Offers

To make conditional promises or offers:

• If you need help, I will be there for you.
• If you lend me your notes, I will return them tomorrow.
• If she asks nicely, I will help her.
• If they come to visit, we will show them around the city.

4. Predictions Based on Conditions

To predict outcomes based on specific conditions:

• If interest rates rise, people will save more money.
• If the team wins this match, they will qualify for the finals.
• If oil prices increase, transportation will become more expensive.
• If it snows heavily, schools will close.

5. Instructions and Directions

To give conditional instructions:

• If you press this button, the machine will start.
• If you turn left at the corner, you will see the museum.
• If you add sugar, the mixture will taste sweeter.
• If you follow these steps, you will get the right result.

4. Modal Verbs in the Main Clause

Instead of "will," you can use other modal verbs in the main clause to express different meanings:

Note: These modal verbs add nuance to the result, making it less certain or adding different shades of meaning.

5. Future Conditional vs. Zero Conditional

It's important to understand the difference between First Conditional (Future Conditional) and Zero Conditional:

Compare these examples:

• Zero: If you heat ice, it melts. (always true)
• First: If you heat the food, it will taste better. (specific future situation)

• Zero: If people don't eat, they get hungry. (general truth)
• First: If you don't eat breakfast, you will be hungry later. (specific prediction)

6. Other Ways to Express Conditions

Alternative Words to "If"

You can use other words instead of "if" to introduce conditions:

7. Using Imperative in the Main Clause

Instead of "will + verb," you can use the imperative (command form) in the main clause:

• If you see John, tell him to call me.
• If the phone rings, answer it please.
• If you feel tired, take a break.
• If it starts to rain, come inside.
• If you have any questions, ask the teacher.

This makes the sentence more direct and is common when giving instructions or advice.

8. Common Mistakes with Future Conditional

9. Mixed Conditionals with Present Results

Sometimes the condition is in the future, but the result is in the present:

• If he is coming tomorrow, I need to prepare now.
• If they are planning to visit next week, we must clean the house.
• If she will be at the meeting tomorrow, I want to know today.

These are less common but show how flexible conditional sentences can be.

Future Conditional Practice Test

Choose the correct form to complete each conditional sentence.

1. If it ______ tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.

will rain

rains

rain

2. If you study hard, you ______ the exam.

pass

will pass

would pass

3. She will be upset if you ______ her birthday.

will forget

forget

forgot

4. If they ______ early, we will have time for coffee.

will arrive

arrives

arrive

5. Unless you ______ now, you will be late.

will leave

leave

left

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Fill in the Blanks - Basic

Complete each conditional sentence with the correct form of the verb.

1. If I ______ (have) enough money, I will buy a new phone.

2. If she ______ (call) me, I will tell her the news.

3. We will go to the beach if the weather ______ (be) nice.

4. If they ______ (not/hurry), they will miss the train.

5. You will feel better if you ______ (take) this medicine.

Check Answers

Complete the Result Clause

Complete the second part of each conditional sentence using "will" and the verb in parentheses.

1. If it snows heavily, schools ______ (close).

2. If you press this button, the machine ______ (start).

3. If we work together, we ______ (finish) faster.

4. If she asks nicely, I ______ (help) her.

5. If the team wins this match, they ______ (qualify) for the finals.

Check Answers

Zero Conditional vs. First Conditional

Choose whether each sentence should use Zero Conditional (general truth) or First Conditional (future possibility).

1. If you heat water to 100°C, it ______. (general scientific fact)

boils

will boil

2. If it rains tomorrow, we ______ the match. (specific future event)

cancel

will cancel

3. If you mix red and blue, you ______ purple. (always true)

get

will get

4. If you come to my party, I ______ very happy. (future possibility)

am

will be

5. If plants don't get water, they ______. (general truth)

die

will die

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Alternative Conditional Words

Complete each sentence with the most appropriate conditional word.

1. ______ you hurry, you will be late. (= if you don't hurry)

If

Unless

When

2. ______ I finish work, I will call you immediately.

If

As soon as

Unless

3. I'll lend you my car ______ you promise to be careful.

unless

as long as

in case

4. Take an umbrella ______ it rains.

if

in case

unless

5. ______ he arrives, we will start the meeting. (expressing certainty)

If

When

Unless

Check Answers