Conditionals – the Present Tense

Conditionals

The Present Tense

1. General truths or facts

Use present tense in both the if clause & the main clause

Present Tense               +       Present Tense

a)If we dip a piece of     +   it turns blue.

litmus paper in acid,           (general truth)

b)Water boils   +   if we heat it to a temperature of 100 degree centigrade.(fact)

 

2. Simple Present Tense – if clause in regular actions

Present Tense                                  +     Present Tense

Dad always reads the paper       +      if he wakes up early.

before leaving for office.

3. Action probably happens in the future, make a promise,

or give a warning use Simple Present Tense in the

 if clause + Simple Future Tense in the main clause

Present Tense                    +                 Future Tense

If Claire maintains her  +       she will get a promotion

efficient performance             soon. (possible action)

If I finish my classes       +       I will join you for dinner.

before five this evening,                  (promise)

If you don’t give me        +       I will sent you to detention

a good reason                                class. (to give a warning)

 

4. Use unless (meaning “if not”) with present tense verb,

and the simple future tense with will in the main clause

when we issue a warning or state a condition

before an action can take place.

Examples:

Unless you agree to the terms, we will not let you go.

(Threat or warning)

Unless we leave now, we will miss our train.

(Stating a condition before an action can happen.)

Remember!

Even if is used in conditional sentences to mean

(it doesn’t matter if )

Example:

I will go on a tour of Europe next year even if none of you want to come with me.

 

P 60

Uncle Teng

 

 

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