CONDITIONALS

IF –CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE USE

(hypothesis) (result clause)
Type 1 IF + any present form a) FUTURE/IMPERATIVE *True or likely to
– real (PRESENT SIMPLE, b) CAN/MAY/MIGHT/SHO happen in the
present PRESENT CONT., ULD + BARE INFINITIVE present or the future
PRESENT PERFECT) c) PRESENT SIMPLE

a) If you finish work early, we’ll go for a walk.

b) If you have finished your coffee, we can pay the bill.
c) If you’re ill, see a doctor!
d) If you burn yourself, it hurts.

Type 1 –true in the present

If the weather is nice, we’ll go swimming. (true – It’s possible.)

 When the if-clause precedes the result clause, we separate the two clauses with a
comma.

If you work hard, you will succeed.

but: You will succeed if you work hard. (no comma)

 Conditionals are usually introduced by if, unless (= if not – normally used with 1st type
conditionals).

 If you don’t reserve a ticket, you won’t get a seat.

 Unless you reserve a ticket, you won’t get a seat.