What happens if the FAA proves the controllers broke the rules?
Two air traffic controllers left the tower at LaGuardia Airport early one night. Now investigators are checking their case. If they find proof of fraud, the FAA will fire both controllers.
This sentence uses the first conditional. We use it to talk about a real possibility in the future. The rule is simple: If + present simple, … will + base verb.
The if-clause always uses the present simple, even though the idea is about the future. Only the main clause uses will. Look at these examples:
- If the report finishes soon, everyone will know the real cause.
- If a tower does not have enough staff, safety problems will happen.
- If the controllers appeal the decision, the FAA will review the case again.
Try these
Choose the correct verb form for each sentence. Click an answer to see instant feedback.
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If the investigators ____ (find) proof of fraud, the FAA will fire the two controllers.
The if-clause uses the present simple (find) even though the idea is about the future. Only the main clause uses will (will fire).
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If a control tower does not have enough staff, safety problems ____ (happen).
The main clause takes will + base verb (will happen) because it names the future result of the if-clause.
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The FAA will look at more towers if it ____ (have) time this year.
The if-clause always uses the present simple (has), whether it comes before or after the main clause. Only the main clause takes will (will look).
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Which sentence is correct?
First conditional sentences pair a present-simple if-clause with a will-clause for the real result: If the report finishes soon, everyone will know.
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If a controller ____ (leave) the tower early without permission, there will be a safety risk.
The if-clause uses the present simple (leaves) for a real future possibility; the main clause already has will (will be).
Watch out for this mistake
Many learners put will in the if-clause. Remember: the if-clause never uses will.
- ✗ “If the FAA will find proof, it will fire the controllers.”
- ✓ “If the FAA finds proof, it will fire the controllers.”
Now make it real
Write 1–2 true sentences about your own flying or work, using the first conditional.
Before you check your answer, ask yourself:
- Does the sentence describe something that could really happen to you?
- Does the if-clause use the present simple, not will?
- Does the main clause use will + the base verb?
- Does the sentence start with a capital letter and end with a full stop?
- “If I finish my training on time, I will start flying next month.”
- “If the weather is bad tomorrow, my flight will be delayed.”
Now rewrite your sentence — can you make the future result more specific?
CEFR Level A2 / ICAO Level 3
Once you are comfortable predicting real future results, compare them with general truths in our post on the zero conditional.
