Conditionals (1)

Vicky and Rachel are talking about possible future actions. They may catch the bus, or they may miss it.

B Type 1: If we hurry, we'll catch the bus

IF-CLAUSE

if Present simple

If we hurry,

If we miss it,

If it doesn't rain,

If I don't practise my golf,

MAIN CLAUSE Will

we 'II catch the bus.

there 'II be another one.

we 'II be having a picnic.

I won't get any better.

The verb in the if-clause (e.g. hurry) is in the present simple, not the future.

not If we'll hurry, we'll catch the bus. But we can use will in the if-clause when we make a request.

If you'll just wait a moment, I'll find someone to help you. (- Please wait a moment...)

We can use the present continuous (e.g. are doing) or the present perfect (e.g. have done) in the if-clause. If we're expecting visitors, the flat will need a good clean. If you've finished with the computer, I'll put it away.

The main clause often has will. But we can use other modal verbs (e.g. can). If you haven't got a television, you can't watch it, can you? If Henry jogs regularly, he might lose weight. If Matthew is going to a job interview, he should wear a tie.

The if-clause usually comes first, but it can come after the main clause. If I hear any news, I'll phone you./I'll phone you if I hear any news.

C More uses of type 1

We can use type 1 conditionals in offers and suggestions.

If you need a ticket, I can get you one. If you feel like seeing the sights, we can take a bus tour. We can also use them in warnings and threats.

If you go on like this, you'll make yourself ill. If you don't apologize, I'll never speak to you again.

D If you heat water, it boils

We sometimes use the present simple in both clauses.

If you heat water, it boils. If Daniel has any money, he spends it.

If you press this switch, the computer comes on.

This means that one thing always follows automatically from another. Pressing the switch always results in the computer coming on.

144 Exercises

1 Type 1 (A-C)

Read the conversation and then choose the correct forms.

Rachel: Have you heard about the pop festival?

Vicky: Yes, it's/it'll be good if Express are playing. They're a great band.

Rachel: Will you be able to go, Nick?

Nick: If (1) I ask/I'll ask my boss, he'll give me some time off work, I expect.

Vicky: How are we going to get there?

Rachel: Well, if (2) there are/there'll be enough people, we can hire a minibus.

Vicky: I won't be going if (3) it's/it'll be too expensive.

Rachel: It (4) isn't costing/won't cost much if we all (5) share/will share the cost.

Nick: If (6) I see/I'll see the others later on tonight, (7) I ask/I'll ask them if they want to go.

2 Type l (A-C)

Comment on the situations. Use if+ the present tense + will/can.

? It might rain. If it does, everyone can eat inside.
If it rains, everyone can eat inside.

? The children mustn't go near Nick's dog. It'll bite them.
If the children go near Nick's dog, it'll bite them.

1 Rachel might fail her driving test. But she can take it again.

2 United might lose. If they do, Tom will be upset.

3 The office may be closed. In that case Mark won't be able to get in.

4 Nick may arrive a bit early. If he does, he can help Tom to get things ready.

5 The party might go on all night. If it does, no one will want to do any work tomorrow.

6 Emma may miss the train. But she can get the next one.

7 Is Matthew going to enter the race? He'll probably win it.

Present simple in both clauses (D)

Match the sentences and join them with if

► You lose your credit card. I can't sleep.

1 You get promoted. You get a warning letter.

2 I drink coffee late at night. You have to ring the bank.

3 You don't pay the bill. Your salary goes up.

4 I try to run fast. The alarm goes off.

5 Someone enters the building. I get out of breath.

► If you lose your credit card, you have to ring the bank.
1 …………………………………………………………………….

2 ……………………………………………………………………………….

4 ……………………………………………………………………………….

Date: 2014-12-22; view: 2156