First Conditional Questions & Negatives
The first conditional expresses real, likely situations in the future. To ask questions or make negative statements, we change the word order or add 'not'. The basic structure stays the same: if + present simple in the condition, and will/won't in the result.
How to Form First Conditional Questions
Yes/No Question — Positive Condition
Pattern: Will + Subject + base verb + (object/complement) + if + Subject + present simple?
Example
Will you come to the party if I invite you?
Yes/No Question — Negative Condition
Pattern: Will + Subject + base verb + (object/complement) + if + Subject + doesn't/don't + base verb?
Example
Will he be angry if she doesn't call him?
Wh- Question — Positive Condition
Pattern: Wh-word + will + Subject + base verb + (object/complement) + if + Subject + present simple?
Example
What will you do if it rains tomorrow?
Wh- Question — Negative Condition
Pattern: Wh-word + will + Subject + base verb + (object/complement) + if + Subject + doesn't/don't + base verb?
Example
Where will she go if you don't give her the address?
Formula
? Question
Will
+
subject
+
verb
+
if
+
condition (present simple)
Will you come if I invite you?
✖ Negative
If
+
condition (present simple)
+
subject
+
will not / won't
+
verb
If you don't study, you won't pass the exam.
Examples
Will Sarah go to the party if her friends are there?
Question form · Inversion of will + subject
If you don't water the plants, they won't survive.
Negative · Contracted form of will not
If he gets the job, will he move to London?
Question starting with condition · Present simple in if-clause
We won't be late if we leave now.
Negative result · Real, probable future situation
What will happen if the train is delayed?
Question with question word · Opens with question word
If you don't call me, I won't know you're safe.
Negative condition · Negative result clause
When to use it
Making Plans
Use first conditional questions to ask about conditions that affect future plans. Often used in conversation about arrangements.
"If the weather is nice, will you come to the beach with us?"
Warning & Consequences
Use negative first conditional to warn about likely consequences if someone doesn't do something.
"If you don't study hard, you won't get good grades."
Asking About Outcomes
Ask questions about what will happen if a likely condition occurs. Useful for problem-solving discussions.
"If we run out of money, what will we do?"
Signal words
if
will
won't
unless
what if
when
as soon as
in case
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
Will you come if you will have time?
✓
Correct
Will you come if you have time?
Don't use 'will' in the if-clause. Use present simple instead.
✕
Wrong
If she doesn't arrive, what we will do?
✓
Correct
If she doesn't arrive, what will we do?
In questions, invert 'will' and subject: 'what will we do', not 'what we will do'.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Use if + present simple in the condition clause for first conditional questions.
- Use will/won't in the result clause to express future possibility or consequence.
- Invert the subject and will/won't to form questions: Will you... if...?
- Add not after will to make negative statements: won't instead of will not.
- The condition clause can come first or second without changing the meaning.