Basic Grammar Step by Step Second Edition

Mary W. Ng

Chapter 62

Conditional Sentences

A conditional sentence has two parts: the if-clause and the main clause. The if-clause expresses a condition. The main clause expresses what will happen when the condition is fulfilled. The condition is fulfilled when the action or situation expressed in the if-clause happens.

if-clauseMain Clause
If you ask her,she will lend you the book.
If he has time,he will mow the lawn.

62.1 Type 1 Conditional Sentences

We use a Type 1 conditional sentence when it is likely that the action or situation expressed in the if-clause will happen.

We use the present simple tense in the if-clause and the future simple tense in the main clause.

Verb in if-clauseVerb in Main Clause
If Istudy,Iwill passthe test.
If itishot,wewill goswimming.

We also use shall with the first person singular and plural personal pronouns.

Verb in if-clauseVerb in Main Clause
If Istudy,Ishall passthe test.
If westudy,weshall passthe test.

Exercise Use the correct tense to complete these sentences.

  1. If I ___ (get) up late, I ___ (miss) the bus.
  2. If you ___ (rest) more, you ___ (feel) better.
  3. If you ___ (love) your dog, it ___ (love) you back.
  4. If you ___ (invite) them, they ___ (come) to the party.
  5. If I ___ (lose) my bus fare, I ___ (have) to walk.
  6. If he ___ (have) the money, he ___ (buy) a computer.
  7. If you ___ (work) hard, you ___ (get) good grades.
  8. If they ___ (see) us, they ___ (wave).
  9. If we ___ (start) now, we ___ (finish) early.

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