Zero and first conditionals
Use the zero conditional (if + present, present) for things that are always true. Use the first conditional (if + present, will + verb) for a real possibility in the future and its result.
How it works
- Zero: if/when + present simple, present simple. If you heat ice, it melts.
- First: if + present simple, will/won't + verb. If it rains, we'll stay in.
- Never use will in the if-clause: If you come, not If you will come.
- The if-clause can come first (with a comma) or second (no comma).
- Unless means if … not: Unless you hurry, you'll miss the bus.
- The result can also be a modal or an imperative: If you see Nam, tell him to call me.
Switch the conditional
Answer the questions and watch the sentence change.
If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay at home.
First conditional: If + present simple, will + verb
A real possibility in the future.
Examples
If you leave rice in a hot car, it goes off quickly.
If I finish early, I'll call you.
We won't get a table unless we book.
If you see Minh, tell him the meeting has moved.
When I drink coffee after 4 p.m., I can't sleep.
Common mistakes
Wrong: If it
will raintomorrow, we will cancel the trip.Right: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.
Wrong: Unless you
don'tstudy, you will fail.Right: Unless you study, you will fail.
Wrong: If I have time,
Ivisit you tomorrow.Right: If I have time, I'll visit you tomorrow.
Practice
1 of 13Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Clauses (conditional): if + present with will is A2–B1; the zero conditional for general truths and unless in conditionals are B1 points. Written for Gloss.