First Conditional & Future Time Clauses
At the A2 level, you should be able to use the first conditional and future time clauses (when, as soon as, etc.). Free English grammar test with clear explanations, examples, and exercises that you can use in real life.
Exercises & Summary
First Conditional and Future Time Clauses Exercises
Today we will learn two easy ways to talk about the future: the First Conditional and Future Time Clauses. Both are very helpful and simple for A2 students.
1. First Conditional (Type 1)
We use the first conditional to talk about things that might happen or are likely to happen in the future.
Structure:
If + present simple, … will + base verb
Examples:
- If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- She will come to the party if she finishes her homework.
Important points:
- We can also start with the “will” part (no comma needed):
- I will buy a new phone if I have enough money.
- We often use “if” but “unless” is also possible:
- Unless you hurry, we will be late. (= If you don’t hurry…)
2. Future Time Clauses
We always use the present simple (not “will”) after words like “when,” “as soon as,” “before,” “after,” and “until” when we talk about the future.
Common time words:
when, as soon as, before, after, until/till
Structure:
Time word + present simple, … will + base verb
Examples:
- I will call you when I arrive home.
- As soon as she finishes dinner, she will watch a movie.
- We will go to the park after it stops raining.
- Wait here until the teacher comes.
- I will clean my room before I go out.
Important: Never say “when I will arrive” → Always “when I arrive”
Table of Quick Summaries
| Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First Conditional | If + present simple, will + verb | If I have time, I will help you. |
| Future Time Clauses | when/before/after… + present simple, will + verb | I will phone you when I get home. |