Syllabus topic 21: First Conditional + future time clauses
First Conditional + future time clauses. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb.
The idea
Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Structure & examples
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.
If you hurry, you will catch the bus.
Notice the pattern
The if clause states the condition; the other clause states the possible result. The clauses can change places without changing the basic meaning. When a sentence begins with the if clause, a comma normally separates the clauses.
If you hurry you will catch it.
We will stay if it rains.
Important notes & common mistakes
Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Before you practice
First choose a form from the options. Then produce it yourself using the word or structure in the instruction. Finally, build complete sentences. Check the explanation after each answer and revisit any mistakes in your review list.
Extended topic: First Conditional + future time clauses
The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Examples in context
Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.
If it rains, we will stay inside.
I'll call when I get home.
If she arrives early, we'll start at six.
Wait here until the bus comes.
We won't leave before he arrives.
Your progress
Ready to move on?
Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.
Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
If she ___, she will pass.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: studies
Completed sentence: If she studies, she will pass. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
We ___ the bus if we leave late.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: will miss
Completed sentence: We will miss the bus if we leave late. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
If it ___ sunny tomorrow, we will walk.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: If it is sunny tomorrow, we will walk. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
I will call you when I ___.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: arrive
Completed sentence: I will call you when I arrive. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Question 1 of 50% complete
If it rains tomorrow, we ___ indoors.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will stay
Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: studies
Completed sentence: If she studies, she will pass. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will miss
Completed sentence: We will miss the bus if we leave late. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: If it is sunny tomorrow, we will walk. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: arrive
Completed sentence: I will call you when I arrive. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will help
Completed sentence: Use help with will: If you ask, he will help. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: finishes
Completed sentence: Use finish: If she finishes early, she will join us. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: am
Completed sentence: Use be: If I am late, I will send a message. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will not go
Completed sentence: Use not go with will, without contractions: If it snows, we will not go out. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: sees
Completed sentence: Use see: If he sees Nina, he will tell her. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: If you hurry, you will catch the bus
Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility. Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: If you hurry you will catch it
If you hurry you will catch it. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility. Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: We will stay if it rains
We will stay if it rains. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility. Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: If she calls I will answer
If she calls I will answer. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility. Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: You will improve if you practice
You will improve if you practice. Use if + present simple and will + base verb for a real future possibility. Usually avoid will in the if clause.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will stay
Completed sentence: If it rains, we will stay inside. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: get
Completed sentence: I'll call when I get home. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: arrives
Completed sentence: If she arrives early, we'll start at six. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: comes
Completed sentence: Wait here until the bus comes. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: arrives
Completed sentence: We won't leave before he arrives. The first conditional describes a real future possibility: if + present, will/can + base verb. Future time clauses after when, until, before and as soon as normally use a present tense, not will. The main clause can contain will.
Keep learning
Choose your next small step
Continue this topic or practice every English skill at the same level.
