The First Conditional: A2 Exercises

Every answer with the reason behind it. Read the explanation for the ones you got right as well — that is where you find out whether you were right for the right reason.

Multiple choice questions — answers

1. If it ___ tomorrow, we'll stay at home. → rains

The if clause takes the present simple even though it refers to the future.

2. If you study hard, you ___ the exam. → will pass

The result clause takes will plus the base verb.

3. I'll call you when I ___ at the airport. → arrive

When behaves exactly like if: the clause stays in the present.

4. Which sentence is correct? → If it snows, we won't drive.

Present simple after if, will in the main clause.

5. We'll miss the train unless we ___ now. → leave

Unless means if not, so the verb after it stays positive and present.

6. If you don't hurry, you ___ late. → will be

The consequence of a real possibility takes will.

7. She ___ angry if you tell her that. → will be

The main clause takes will even when the if clause comes second.

8. As soon as the shop ___ , I'll buy the tickets. → opens

As soon as behaves like if and takes the present simple.

9. If we leave now, we ___ get there by six. → might

Might replaces will when the result is less certain.

10. Wait here until I ___ back. → come

Until takes the present simple in a future sentence.

11. If you ___ me your number, I'll text you the address. → give

The if clause takes the present simple.

12. What does unless mean? → if not

Unless is equivalent to if not, so it already contains the negative.

13. If the traffic is bad, we ___ be late. → might

Might expresses a possible rather than certain result.

14. I'll finish the report before I ___ home. → go

Before takes the present simple in a future sentence.

15. If you see Ana, ___ her to call me. → tell

An imperative can replace will in the result clause.

16. They won't come ___ you invite them properly. → unless

Unless means if not, which is the meaning required here.

17. If she ___ the job, she'll move to Istanbul. → gets

The if clause takes the present simple.

18. We ___ start the meeting when everybody arrives. → will

The main clause takes will; the when clause stays in the present.

19. Which sentence is a first conditional? → If I have time, I'll help you.

A real future possibility with will in the result clause.

20. If you don't book early, there ___ any seats left. → won't be

The negative future result takes won't.

Fill-in-the-blank questions — answers

1. If it ___ tomorrow, we'll postpone the picnic. → rains

The if clause takes the present simple even for future time.

2. If you leave now, you ___ catch the last bus. → will

The result clause takes will plus the base verb.

3. I'll phone you when I ___ home. → get

When behaves like if and takes the present simple.

4. We'll be late ___ we leave right now. → unless

Unless means if not and takes a positive verb after it.

5. If you don't wear a coat, you ___ get cold. → will

A likely consequence takes will.

6. She'll be delighted if you ___ her. → invite

The if clause stays in the present simple.

7. As soon as the results ___ out, I'll let you know. → come

As soon as takes the present simple in a future sentence.

8. If we hurry, we ___ still make it. → might

Might expresses a possible rather than a certain outcome.

9. Wait here ___ I come back. → until

Until introduces the end point and takes the present simple.

10. If the weather is good, we ___ eat outside. → will

The main clause of a first conditional takes will.

11. I'll check the times before I ___ the tickets. → book

Before takes the present simple in a sentence about the future.

12. If you ___ Berk, tell him I called. → see

The if clause takes the present simple, and the result is an imperative.

13. They won't understand ___ you explain it slowly. → unless

Unless carries the negative, so the verb after it is positive.

14. If she ___ the interview, she'll start in September. → passes

The present simple follows if, with the -s for she.

15. We ___ start when everybody is here. → will

The main clause takes will; the when clause stays present.

16. If you don't book early, there won't ___ any seats. → be

Won't is followed by the base form of the verb.

17. I'll wait here ___ the rain stops. → until

Until introduces the point at which the waiting ends.

18. If the shop ___ closed, we'll try the other one. → is

The if clause takes the present simple form of be.

19. He'll help you if you ___ him nicely. → ask

The if clause stays in the present simple.

20. ___ you don't leave now, you'll miss the ferry. → If

If introduces the real condition, and the verb after it is present simple.

Sentence structure: word ordering — answers

1. Make a weather-dependent plan. → If it rains, we will stay inside.

Make a weather-dependent plan.

2. Encourage a student with a likely result. → If you study, you will pass the exam.

Encourage a student with a likely result.

3. Promise contact on arrival. → I will call you when I arrive.

Promise contact on arrival.

4. Warn about a consequence using if not. → We will be late unless we hurry.

Warn about a consequence using if not.

5. Warn somebody about a departure. → If you don't hurry, you will miss it.

Warn somebody about a departure.

6. Predict a reaction to a phone call. → She will be pleased if you call her.

Predict a reaction to a phone call.

7. Promise to pass on information. → As soon as I know, I will tell you.

Promise to pass on information.

8. Suggest a plan with an uncertain result. → If we leave early, we might avoid traffic.

Suggest a plan with an uncertain result.

9. Give shelter advice. → Wait here until the rain stops.

Give shelter advice.

10. Make a plan that depends on conditions. → If the weather is fine, we will walk.

Make a plan that depends on conditions.

11. Promise to verify details first. → I will check before I book anything.

Promise to verify details first.

12. Give an instruction with a condition. → If you see her, give her my number.

Give an instruction with a condition.

13. Explain that an invitation is necessary. → They will not come unless you ask.

Explain that an invitation is necessary.

14. Describe a consequence of a job offer. → If she gets the job, she will move.

Describe a consequence of a job offer.

15. Announce a conditional start. → We will begin when everybody is ready.

Announce a conditional start.

16. Warn about rising prices. → If you book late, it will cost more.

Warn about rising prices.

17. Advise on how to get assistance. → He will help if you ask him politely.

Advise on how to get assistance.

18. Give an alternative with an imperative. → If the shop is shut, try the market.

Give an alternative with an imperative.

19. Offer to wait for somebody. → I will wait until you finish work.

Offer to wait for somebody.

20. Warn about a sell-out. → If we don't book, there will be no seats.

Warn about a sell-out.