FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use the first conditional for realistic future possibilities and present forms after future time conjunctions such as when, before and as soon as.
Overview
Use the first conditional for realistic future possibilities and present forms after future time conjunctions such as when, before and as soon as.
Form and rules
Form the first conditional with if + present simple, will + base verb: If it rains, we'll stay home.
The if-clause can come first or second; use a comma when it comes first.
Do not normally use will after if in the condition clause.
After when, before, after, as soon as and until for future meaning, use a present form rather than will.
Use unless to mean if not in many conditions: Unless we hurry = If we don't hurry.
A closer look
After when, before, after, as soon as and until for future meaning, use a present form rather than will.
Use unless to mean if not in many conditions: Unless we hurry = If we don't hurry.
Examples
If I finish early, I'll call you.
We'll miss the bus if we don't leave now.
I'll text you when I arrive.
Wait here until I come back.
Unless it rains, we'll have lunch outside.
Common mistakes
The first-conditional if-clause uses present simple.
Future time clauses after when use a present form.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.