Use the first conditional for a real possibility in the future and its likely result: If it rains, we'll stay at home. Form: if + Present Simple, will + base verb. Never use will in the if-part.
If it rains, we'll stay at home.
From NOW the path splits. The condition is a real possibility, and if it happens, the result will follow.
| The if-part | if + Present Simple: If it rains |
|---|---|
| The result | will / won't + base verb: we'll stay at home |
| Also in the result | can, may, might, should, or an instruction: If you see Ana, tell her. |
| Order | Either part can come first. Use a comma when the if-part comes first: We'll stay at home if it rains. |
If you leave now, you'll catch the train.
A realistic situation and what will happen if it does.
If you touch that, you'll burn yourself.
Warnings, threats and promises are all first conditionals.
If you need help, I'll be in my office.
Common at work: offers, plans and arrangements that depend on something.
We'll miss the bus unless we hurry.
Unless we hurry means if we don't hurry. Don't add another not after unless.
Common expressions worth learning as they are.
If it _____ tomorrow, we'll cancel the trip.
From always true to an imagined past.
Paste an email or an essay. Clarigram marks the mistakes you actually make, shows the rule behind each one as a picture, and builds your practice from them.
Not for the condition itself. The exception is will meaning willingness, often in polite requests: If you'll wait a moment, I'll get the manager.
First if you think the situation could really happen (If I win, I'll buy you dinner). Second if it's imagined or unlikely (If I won the lottery, I'd buy a house).