First Conditional: Real Possibilities
The First Conditional describes situations that are real, possible, or likely in the future. If she applies for the job, she will get an interview, If we don’t leave now, we won’t make the meeting. The form is If + present simple, will + base form — and unless (= if not) is a high-frequency alternative for the if-clause (Unless you confirm by Monday, we will give the place to someone else). For less certain outcomes, might, may, and could replace will: If it rains, we might move the event indoors.
This worksheet builds A2–B1 control of the First Conditional with focus on the unless alternative and the use of might/may/could for less certain outcomes.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Grammar Box with form, unless as the if not alternative, and might/may/could for less certain outcomes
- Gap-fill (10 items): two-verb completion with the correct conditional form in both clauses
- Unless rewriting: convert if + not sentences into unless equivalents
- Personalised production: complete five conditional starters with your own future plans and possibilities
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes on the unless register and the no-will-in-if-clause rule
Common mistakes addressed: will in the if-clause (If she will apply, she will get the job), missing not with unless (Unless you don’t confirm…), and missing third-person -s in the if-clause (If she apply).
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR A2–B1, in pre-intermediate and intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. The First Conditional is heavily tested in Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing and Speaking, where real-future hypotheticals appear in informal emails and the discussion part. Part of the Conditionals & Wishes collection — the natural next step is Second Conditional: Hypothetical Situations, which moves into imaginary present and future.
