First Conditional: Negative Conditions

This grammar links a negative action to a future result. It uses two parts, or clauses. The first part is the condition. This part uses if or unless. The second part is the result. This part uses will or won't. The condition is usually in the present simple tense. Even though we talk about the future, we use the present. This is a common rule in English. The result clause shows what will happen next. It is a cause-and-effect relationship. If the cause does not happen, the effect follows. It is like a domino effect that stops. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. They might try to use will in both parts. Do not do that! Keep the condition simple and the result future-focused.

1. 1Creating these sentences follows a very strict recipe. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with the word if or unless.
3. 3Add the subject of your sentence.
4. 4Use a negative auxiliary verb like don't or doesn't.
5. 5Add the base form of your main verb.
6. 6Add a comma if you started with the condition.
7. 7Finish with the result using will or won't.
8. 8Example: If + you + don't + hurry + , + you + will + miss + the bus.
9. 9You can also flip the sentence. You will miss the bus if you don't hurry. Notice that the comma disappears when the result comes first. If you use unless, the verb after it is usually positive. Unless already means if not. So, Unless you hurry means the same thing. It is like a mathematical equation for your mouth.

You will use this grammar in many real-world scenarios. Imagine you are ordering food at a restaurant. You might say, "If they don't have pizza, I will leave." This sets a clear condition for your stay. In a job interview, you might think, "If I don't get this job, I will apply elsewhere." It helps you plan your next steps. When asking for directions, someone might tell you: "If you don't turn left, you'll get lost." It is perfect for giving warnings or advice. Use it when you want to show a clear consequence. It is also great for making deals or threats. "I won't pay unless you finish the work." It makes your intentions very clear to others. Use it whenever a future event depends on a negative situation.

Do not use this for things that are always true. That is for the Zero Conditional. For example, do not say "If it doesn't rain, plants die." That sounds like a general rule of nature. Also, do not use it for impossible or imaginary situations. If you are dreaming about being a bird, use the Second Conditional. This grammar is only for real, likely possibilities. Do not use it to talk about the past. If the event already happened, this pattern will not work. Finally, avoid using will inside the if clause. This is a very common mistake for B1 learners. Keep the if part in the present simple. Think of it as a "no-will zone."

One big mistake is the double negative with unless. People often say, "Unless you don't study, you will fail." This is wrong and confusing! Since unless means if not, you don't need another not. Just say, "Unless you study, you will fail." Another mistake is forgetting the s for third-person subjects. Remember to use doesn't for he, she, or it. "If he don't go" is incorrect. It must be "If he doesn't go." Also, watch out for the comma. If the if clause is at the start, use a comma. If it is at the end, leave the comma out. It is a small detail, but it makes your writing look professional. Even university students forget these small rules sometimes!

How does this differ from other conditionals? The Zero Conditional is for facts. "If you don't freeze water, it stays liquid." The First Conditional is for specific future events. "If you don't freeze the water now, we won't have ice for the party." See the difference? One is a fact, the other is a plan. It also differs from the Second Conditional. The Second Conditional is for dreams. "If I didn't have a job, I would travel the world." The First Conditional is for reality. "If I don't go to work, my boss will be angry." Use the First Conditional when you are talking about your actual life and future. It is the most practical of all the conditional patterns.