The First Conditional: If + Present Simple, Will + Base Verb
The first conditional describes real, likely future situations and their results. The pattern is simple: use 'if' + the present simple in the condition clause, then 'will' + the base verb in the result clause, as in "If it rains, we'll stay home" or "If you study, you'll pass." The key thing to remember is that the if-clause stays in the present simple even though it points to the future. You can also flip the order without changing the meaning: "I'll call you if I'm late" means the same as "If I'm late, I'll call you."
Examples
- If it rains, we'll stay home. rain (likely) leads to staying home
- I'll call you if I'm late. a promise to call in case of lateness
- If you study, you'll pass. studying will lead to passing
The full lesson
Everything in the video, in text.
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If it rains, we'll stay home. One little word in the wrong place, and that sentence falls apart. Let's fix it for good.
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We use the first conditional to talk about a real, likely future: a condition now, and what will happen if it comes true. Here's the whole pattern.
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Look closely at the two halves. The if part stays in the present simple, even though it points to the future. The result part takes will. That split is the whole rule.
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Take a likely future. Rain is possible today, and if it comes, the plan changes. If it rains, we'll stay home.
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It's perfect for promises. The order can flip: put the result first, and you drop the comma. I'll call you if I'm late.
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Use it for cause and effect, too: do this now, and that result is likely to follow. If you study, you'll pass.
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And it makes a sharp warning, when the result is a real threat. If you touch it, you'll get hurt.
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Now the big trap. Don't put will in the if part. Even though the whole sentence is about the future, the if clause must stay in the present simple. Only the result gets will.
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One more handy point. The contraction we'll, I'll, you'll is just will shortened. And won't is its negative, for results that won't happen.
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So remember: for a real, likely future, keep the if part in the present, and use will only in the result.