The first conditional is a type of sentence structure used to express a conditional relationship between two events. It is used to describe a situation in which one event (the condition) will cause another event (the consequence) to happen.

The first conditional is formed using the present tense of the verb “to be” (is/are) followed by the present tense of the main verb, and the future tense of the main verb. For example: “If it rains, I will stay home.” In this sentence, the condition (it raining) is in the present tense, and the consequence (staying home) is in the future tense.

The first conditional is often used to express a possibility or probability in the present or future. It is often used to talk about what someone will do in a specific situation. For example: “If I see him, I will say hello.”

Few practice activities that could be suitable for practicing the first conditional structure at an A2 level:

  1. Sentence completion: Provide a list of words or phrases related to the first conditional (e.g. “if,” “will,” “rain,” “go,” “work,” etc.). Have students complete sentences using these words to create original first conditional statements. For example: “If it ________, I ________.” (if it rains, I will stay home)
  2. Matching game: Create a set of cards with first conditional statements written on one side and the corresponding consequence written on the other side. Have students match the condition cards with the consequence cards to create complete first conditional sentences.
  3. Role-playing: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Have each group come up with a scenario involving a condition and a consequence. Have the students take turns acting out the scenario and using the first conditional structure to express what will happen if the condition is met.
  4. Sentence reordering: Provide students with a set of first conditional sentences that are written in the incorrect order. Have them rearrange the words to create correct first conditional sentences.
  5. Gap-fill exercise: Provide students with a text that contains gaps where first conditional statements should be inserted. Have them fill in the gaps with the appropriate first conditional statements.

Sample Test Question

Complete this sentence freely according to your creativity

  1. If it __________, I ___________.
  2. If he __________, I ___________.
  3. If she __________, I ___________.
  4. If we __________, we ___________.
  5. If you __________, you ___________.
  6. If they __________, they ___________.
  7. If it __________, I ___________.
  8. If he __________, I ___________.
  9. If she __________, I ___________.
  10. If I __________, I ___________.

Answer

  1. If it rains, I will stay home.
  2. If he calls, I will answer.
  3. If she asks, I will help.
  4. If we finish, we will go.
  5. If you come, you will see.
  6. If they arrive, they will meet.
  7. If it snows, I will ski.
  8. If he apologizes, I will forgive.
  9. If she offers, I will accept.
  10. If I win, I will buy.

These are just a few possible examples of how these sentences could be completed. There are many other possibilities depending on the specific context and the students’ own ideas and creativity.

First Conditional Practice Worksheet

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First Conditional