Grammar Lessons

First Conditional

Real Possibilities & What-Ifs

The first conditional is for real and likely situations — things that could genuinely happen. This lesson practises it through questions about decisions, consequences, and what you'd do if things go a certain way.

Intermediate · B1 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Real conditions and their likely results.

Structure

The if clause uses present simple. The result clause uses will + base verb. The clauses can be in either order — but only use a comma when the if clause comes first.

if If + present simple, will + base verb — "If you follow through, you'll succeed."

or Will + base verb + if + present simple — "You'll regret it if you back out now."

− Unless + present simple, will + base verb — "Unless you speak up, nothing will change."

Variations in the result clause

will

The most common — a certain or very likely result.

"If you work on this, you will improve."

might / may

A possible but less certain result.

"If you apply, you might get it."

can / should / imperative

Advice, permission, or a command in the result.

"If you're not sure, just ask."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs that come up naturally when discussing decisions and their outcomes. Each example uses the first conditional.

follow through

Meaning

To complete something you started or promised — to see it all the way to the end.

Example

"If you follow through on this, people will start to take you seriously."

Conversation questions

Are you someone who follows through on their commitments? What makes it hard sometimes?
If you follow through on something you're working on right now, what will change?

back out

Meaning

To withdraw from something you agreed to do — often at the last minute.

Example

"If you back out now, it will be very hard to rebuild that trust."

Conversation questions

Have you ever backed out of something important? What happened?
If a friend backs out of plans repeatedly, what will you do about it?

speak up

Meaning

To say something, especially when it's difficult — to voice an opinion or concern.

Example

"If you don't speak up in the meeting, your idea will never be heard."

Conversation questions

In what situations do you find it hardest to speak up?
If you see something unfair at work or in public, will you speak up? What stops you?

turn down

Meaning

To refuse or decline an offer, invitation, or opportunity.

Example

"If you turn down this opportunity, you might not get another one like it."

Conversation questions

Have you ever turned down something that you later regretted?
If you're offered a great opportunity but the timing is wrong, will you turn it down or take it?

go through with

Meaning

To do something you planned or decided, especially when it's difficult or daunting.

Example

"If you go through with the move, you'll probably wonder why you waited so long."

Conversation questions

Have you ever almost decided not to go through with something but did anyway? What happened?
Is there something you're thinking about going through with soon? What's holding you back?

work out

Meaning

To happen successfully or as planned; also to find a solution to something.

Example

"If you put in the effort, things will work out — they usually do."

Conversation questions

Do you tend to believe things will work out, or do you worry about what might go wrong?
If something doesn't work out the way you planned, how do you usually respond?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme — all using the first conditional. Remember: if + present simple, will + base verb.

Work & Career

If you get an unexpected job offer next week, will you consider it — or are you happy where you are?
If you don't achieve what you want in the next two years, what will you do differently?
What will happen if you keep doing what you're doing — where will it take you?

Decisions & Consequences

If a friend asks for your honest opinion about a bad decision they're making, will you speak up?
If you back out of something important, what consequences might follow?
If something doesn't work out the way you hoped, how will you handle it?

The Bigger Picture

If countries don't work together on climate change, what will happen in 50 years?
If social media platforms don't change how they operate, what impact will that have on society?
If people keep working remotely, how will that change cities and communities?