Unit 111: If we go ... If you see ... etc.

Master first conditional

A. If we go ... If you see ... etc.

If can be at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle:

If we go by bus, it will be cheaper.
It will be cheaper if we go by bus.

In conversation, we often use the if-part of the sentence alone:

• "Are you going to the concert?" "Yes, if I can get a ticket."

B. If you see Ann tomorrow ... etc.

After if, we use the present (not will). We say: if you see ... (not 'if you will see'):

• If you see Ann tomorrow, can you ask her to phone me?
• If I'm late this evening, don't wait for me. (not 'If I will be')
• What shall we do if it rains? (not 'if it will rain')
• If I don't feel well tomorrow, I'll stay at home.

C. if and when

If I go out = it is possible that I will go out, but I'm not sure:

• A: Are you going out later?
• B: Perhaps. If I go out, I'll close the window.

When I go out = I'm going out (for sure):

• A: Are you going out later?
• B: Yes, I am. When I go out, I'll close the window.

When I get home this evening, I'm going to have a shower.
• We're going to play tennis if it doesn't rain. (not 'When it doesn't rain')

if

If we go by bus, it will be cheaper.
It will be cheaper if we go by bus.
If you don't hurry, you'll miss the train.
If you're hungry, have something to eat.
If the phone rings, can you answer it, please?

if you see ... (present, not will)

If you see Ann tomorrow, can you ask her to phone me?
If I'm late this evening, don't wait for me.
What shall we do if it rains?
If I don't feel well tomorrow, I'll stay at home.

if and when

If I go out, I'll close the window. (possible)
When I go out, I'll close the window. (sure)
When I get home this evening, I'm going to have a shower.
We're going to play tennis if it doesn't rain.

111.1 Make sentences beginning with if. Choose from the boxes.

you don't hurry
you pass the exam
you fail the exam
you don't want this magazine
you're hungry now
you need money

we can have lunch now
you can have them
I can lend you some
you'll get a certificate
you'll be late
I'll throw it away

If you don't hurry, you'll be late.
.
.
.
.
.

111.2 Which is right?

If I'm / I'll be late this evening, don't wait for me.
Will you write to me if I give / I'll give you my address?
If there is / will be a fire, the alarm will ring.
I don't see you tomorrow morning, I phone / I'll phone you in the evening.
I'm / I'll be surprised if Martin and Julia get / will get married.
Do you go / Will you go to the party if they invite / they'll invite you?

111.3 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.

I'm going to the concert if I can get a ticket.
If you don't hurry .
I don't want to go swimming .
If you go to bed early tonight .
Turn the television off .
Tina won't pass her exams .
I'll have time tomorrow .
We can go to the beach tomorrow .

111.4 Put in if or when.

If I'm late this evening, don't wait for me.
I'm going to do some shopping now. ______ I come back, we can have lunch.
I'm thinking of going to see Tim. ______ I go, will you come with me?
______ you don't want to go out tonight, we can stay at home.
Do you mind ______ I close the window?
John is still at school. ______ he leaves school, he wants to go to university.
Shall we have a picnic tomorrow ______ the weather is good?
We're going to Madrid next week. We haven't got anywhere to stay – we hope to find a hotel ______ we arrive. I don't know what we'll do ______ we don't find anywhere.