If it rains, we'll stay in: real possibilities
The first conditional for things that may really happen, and when / as soon as / unless
What you'll be able to do
Talk about likely situations and their results: plans that depend on the weather, warnings, promises and deals at work.
The idea
For a real possibility in the future: if + present simple, then will + base form.
- If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay at home.a real possibility
- If you leave now, you'll catch the train.advice with a result
- I'll call you if I hear anything.the if-part can come second
- If you don't hurry, you'll be late.a warning
No will after if in this structure: If it rains, never If it will rain.
when, as soon as, unless
- I'll send it when I get home.I'm sure I'll get home
- I'll call you as soon as I land.immediately after
- We'll go to the beach unless it rains.if it doesn't rain
When, as soon as, before and until follow the same rule: present tense after them, even about the future.
Common mistakes
If I will see her, I will tell her.→ If I see her, I'll tell her.I'll call you when I will arrive.→ I'll call you when I arrive.Unless you don't hurry, you'll miss it.Unless already means if not: Unless you hurry, you'll miss it.
Practice
- If it _____ tomorrow, we'll have the party inside.Options: rains · will rain · would rain
Show the answer
rains — First conditional: if + present simple.
- If you don't leave now, you _____ the bus.Options: will miss · would missed · missed
Show the answer
will miss — The result: will + base form.
- I'll call you as soon as I _____ at the hotel.Options: arrive · will arrive · arrived
Show the answer
arrive — After as soon as, the present simple, even for the future.
- We'll eat outside _____ it's too cold.Options: unless · if · when
Show the answer
unless — Unless = if not: we'll eat outside if it isn't too cold.
- If you _____ (study) hard, you'll pass the exam.
Show the answer
study — If + present simple.
More on this topic: English conditionals: first, second, third and mixed