Conditional - English

Subject: English

Subject Code: HUM 4101

Topic: Conditional 

Lecturer: Md. Arif Moinuddin Chy

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So, we are happy about the assignment, huh?... Zoe, Let’s go submit today. If we submit today, we will get full marks. Come on, now

Well, look. There is no hurry, Tina. We have another day. Probably you don’t know. Time is extended. If we submit tomorrow, we will get another day for revise our assignment.

Zoe and Tina are talking about possible future actions.

 [1st conditional sentences]

Example:

If we submit today, we will get full marks.

If we submit tomorrow, we will get another day for revise our assignment.

If we hurry, we'll catch the bus.

          IF-CLAUSE                                   MAIN CLAUSE

     if Present simple                             Will

   If we hurry,                           we 'II catch the bus.

   If we miss it,                         there 'II be another one.

   If it doesn't rain,                  we 'II be having a picnic.

   If I don't practise my golf,  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.

 Example:

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, could, may, should…).

If you haven't got Instagram, you can't be popular, can you?

If my big friend jogs regularly, he might lose weight.

If Matt 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.

Note: ‘If’ in the middle, no need for a comma. 

Other use: We can use type 1st 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.

If you heat water, it boils.

We sometimes use the present simple in both clauses to show immediate result, universal truth, someone’s behaviour etc.

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.

Read the conversation and then choose the correct forms.

Zisan: Have you heard about the Chittagong Pop Festival?

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

Zoe : Will you be able to go, Nahid?

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

Tina: How are we going to get there?

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

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

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

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

1 ask 2 there are 3 it's  4 won't cost 5 share 6 I see 7 I'll ask

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

2 Real Madrid might lose. If they do, Pepe will be upset.

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

Use if+ the present tense + will/can.

4 Shiraji may arrive a bit early. If he does, he can help Tamim 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 Enam may miss the train. But he can get the next one.

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

Answers:

1 If Shila fails her driving test, she can take it again.

2 If Real Madrid lose, Pepe will be upset.

3 If the office is closed, Mizan won't be able to get in.

4 If Shiraji arrives a bit early, he can help Tamim to get

things ready.

5 If the party goes on all night, no one will want to

do any work tomorrow.

6 If Enam misses the train, she can get the next one.

7 If Matt enters the race, he'll probably win it.

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 …………………………………

3 ...................................

4 …………………………………

5 ...................................