Zero & First Conditional

Reference

Common mistakes

1. If it will rain, I will stay home. → If it rains, I will stay home.
   if clause: present simple (NOT will)
2. If you will come, call me. → If you come, call me.
   never "will" in the if-clause
3. If water boils, it will become steam. → If water boils, it becomes steam.
   always-true fact → zero conditional (present both sides)
4. If I study tonight, I pass the test tomorrow. → If I study tonight, I will pass the test tomorrow.
   one specific future event → first conditional

Zero & First Conditional — Exercises

Complete with the correct form

Use the present simple or will + verb. The verb is given in brackets.

1. If I fail my exams, I   them again next year. (take)
2. They'll be late for work unless they  . (hurry)
3. Call me if you   some help with your homework. (need)
4. If you give your project in late, the teacher   it. (not mark)
5. Ask me if you   what to do. (not know)
6. My cousin   college next year if he passes all his exams. (finish)

Choose the correct form

Circle the correct option.

1. If I don't go / won't go to bed right now, I won't be able / 'm not able to get up. (don't go / won't be able / won't go / 'm not able)
2. I'll buy / I buy some bread if the bakery is / will be still open. (I'll buy / is / I buy / will be)
3. You pass / You'll pass your test if you won't forget / don't forget your lucky pen. (You'll pass / don't forget / You pass / won't forget)
4. We'll phone / We phone my mum after the exam if we need / will need a lift home. (We'll phone / need / We phone / will need)
5. You won't feel / You don't feel cold if you put / will put this sweater on. (You won't feel / put / You don't feel / will put)

IF or UNLESS?

Type if or unless.

1. We cannot go swimming   the rain stops.
2. My mother will cook   they decide to eat out.
3.   you drive more carefully, you will have an accident.
4. He'll get lost   someone shows him the way.
5. You can't watch TV   you finish your homework.
6.   you don't hurry, you'll be late for school again.
7. You can't travel abroad   you don't have a passport.
8. My parents will be really happy   I pass my exams.
9. I should be there by 11   I don't catch any traffic.

Complete the First Conditional sentences

Use the verbs in brackets in the correct form.

1. If we   (go) to Italy, we   (visit) my friend Marco.
2. If she   (do) well in her test, my sister   (go) to college.
3. Jackeline   (not eat) dinner if she   (eat) all that doughnut.
4. My dad   (drive) us to the theatre if we   (ask) him.
5. Uncle Tom   (phone) us if he   (want) to come with us.

Zero & First Conditional — Answer Key

Complete with the correct form

1. will take
2. hurry
3. need
4. won't mark
5. don't know
6. will finish

Choose the correct form

1. don't go / won't be able — if-clause: present (don't go); result: will (won't be able).
2. I'll buy / is — Result: I'll buy; if-clause: present (is).
3. You'll pass / don't forget — Result: You'll pass; if-clause: present (don't forget).
4. We'll phone / need — Result: We'll phone; if-clause: need.
5. You won't feel / put — Result: You won't feel; if-clause: put.

IF or UNLESS?

1. unless
2. unless
3. if
4. unless
5. unless
6. if
7. if
8. if
9. if

Complete the First Conditional sentences

1. go · will visit
2. does · will go
3. won't eat · eats
4. will drive · ask
5. will phone · wants