First Conditional - Realistic Future Conditions and Results

B1 Eiken 2 Intermediate

if + present simple, will + base verb

Explanation

Use the first conditional for a real or possible future situation and its result. In English, the if-clause uses the present simple, not "will".

For example, in "If it rains, we will stay home," "if it rains" is the condition, and "we will stay home" is the result. "Rains" is present simple because we are talking about a future possibility. Japanese often says "〜たら" or "もし〜なら" for this meaning, but English shows the condition with a present tense verb.

Examples

  • If it rains, we will stay home. もし雨が降ったら、私たちは家にいます。
  • If you study tonight, you will do well on the test. 今夜勉強すれば、テストでよい結果が出ます。
  • If I miss the train, I will call you. 電車に乗り遅れたら、あなたに電話します。
  • Will you help me if I finish early? 早く終わったら、手伝ってくれますか。
  • If she doesn't feel better, she will see a doctor. もし体調がよくならなければ、彼女は病院に行きます。
  • If we have time, we will visit my grandmother. 時間があれば、祖母に会いに行きます。

Common Mistakes

Japanese learners often put "will" in the if-clause, for example, "If it will rain, we will stay home." In English, that is wrong. Say "If it rains, we will stay home." Use present simple after "if", and use "will" in the result clause.

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