Ampersand Lab

Foundation grammar · Lesson 99 · A2

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

The if part can start the sentence (with a comma) or sit in the middle. After if, use the present for the future: if it rains, not if it will rain. if means maybe; when means it will certainly happen.

Start the lesson

13Steps · about 22 minutes

In this lesson

if at the start or in the middleA4 screens of questions
if + present for the futureB2 screens of questions
if and whenC2 screens of questions

Point A of 3

if at the start or in the middle

The if part can come first, followed by a comma, or in the middle, with no comma.

In conversation, the if part often stands alone as an answer.

  • If we take the train, it'll be quicker.
  • If you don't leave now, you'll miss the start.
  • If you're thirsty, help yourself to a drink.
  • If the doorbell rings, could you get it, please?
  • It'll be quicker if we take the train.
  • You'll miss the start if you don't leave now.
  • I'm going to the match if I can get a ticket.
  • Do you mind if I open the window? (= Is it OK if I open it?)
  • "Are you coming to the gig?" "Yes, as long as I can get the night off. If I can, I'll be there."

Point A · Exercise 99.1 · part 1 of 2

Make sentences beginning with If. Join one part from each list. List A: you don't hurry / you pass the test / you fail the test / you don't want this newspaper / you want those posters / you're busy now / you're hungry / you need money. List B: you'll be late / you'll get a certificate / you can take it again / I'll recycle it / you can have them / we can talk later / we can have lunch now / I can lend you some.

  1. Example

    If you don't hurry ...

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

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

  2. If you pass the test ...

  3. If you fail the test ...

  4. If you don't want this newspaper ...

  5. If you want those posters ...

Point A · Exercise 99.1 · part 2 of 2

Make sentences beginning with If. Join one part from each list. List A: you don't hurry / you pass the test / you fail the test / you don't want this newspaper / you want those posters / you're busy now / you're hungry / you need money. List B: you'll be late / you'll get a certificate / you can take it again / I'll recycle it / you can have them / we can talk later / we can have lunch now / I can lend you some.

  1. If you're busy now ...

  2. If you're hungry ...

  3. If you need money ...

Point A · Exercise 99.3 · part 1 of 2

Use your own ideas to complete these sentences. The answers below are examples; yours will be different.

  1. Example

    I'm going to the match if ...

    I'm going to the match if I can get a ticket.

    Example answerI'm going to the match if I can get a ticket.

  2. Example

    If you don't leave now, ...

    If you don't leave now, you'll be late for work.

    Example answerIf you don't leave now, you'll be late for work.

  3. I don't want to go for a walk if ...

  4. If you drink plenty of water today, ...

  5. Turn the music down if ...

  6. Josh won't pass his driving test if ...

Point A · Exercise 99.3 · part 2 of 2

Use your own ideas to complete these sentences. The answers below are examples; yours will be different.

  1. If I have time tomorrow, ...

  2. We can have a barbecue tomorrow if ...

Point B of 3

if + present for the future

After if, use the present, not will: if you see (not if you will see).

  • If you see Tom tomorrow, could you ask him to ring me?
  • If I'm late tonight, start without me. (not if I will be)
  • What shall we do if it snows? (not if it will snow)
  • If I don't feel better tomorrow, I'll stay in bed.

Point B · Exercise 99.2 · part 1 of 2

Which is right? Choose the correct form for each gap.

  1. Example

    If I'm late tonight, start without me. (I'm / I'll be)

    AnswerIf I'm late tonight, start without me.

  2. Will you send me a postcard if I you my address? (give / 'll give)

  3. If there a flood, the road will close. (is / will be)

  4. If I don't see you at lunch, you this evening. (I text / I'll text)

  5. amazed if Sam and Jo engaged. (I'm / I'll be) (get / will get)

Point B · Exercise 99.2 · part 2 of 2

Which is right? Choose the correct form for each gap.

  1. to the wedding if you? (Do you go / Will you go) (they invite / they'll invite)

Point C of 3

if and when

If I go out = maybe I will go out; I am not sure.

When I go out = I am going out; it is certain.

  • "Are you going out later?" "Maybe. If I go out, I'll lock the back door."
  • "Are you going out later?" "Yes, I am. When I go out, I'll lock the back door."
  • When I get home tonight, I'm going to make a curry.
  • If I'm late tonight, start without me. (not When I'm late)
  • We'll have the barbecue outside if it stays dry. (not when it stays dry)

Point C · Exercise 99.4 · part 1 of 2

Put in if or when.

Use these

ifwhen

  1. Example

    If I'm late tonight, start without me.

    AnswerIf I'm late tonight, start without me.

  2. I'm popping to the shop now. I get back, we can have dinner.

  3. I might pop round to Gran's later. I do, do you want a lift?

  4. you don't feel like cooking tonight, we can get a takeaway.

  5. Do you mind I turn the radio on?

Point C · Exercise 99.4 · part 2 of 2

Put in if or when.

Use these

ifwhen

  1. Lily is still at school. she leaves school, she wants to train as a nurse.

  2. Shall we go to the beach on Saturday the weather is nice?

  3. We're driving to Cornwall on Friday. We haven't booked a campsite; we'll look for one we arrive. Goodness knows where we'll sleep they're all full.

Lesson 99 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: If I had ... If we went ... etc.Back to the course

–Right

Each point

A. if at the start or in the middle–Not checkedB. if + present for the future–Not checkedC. if and when–Not checked

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