If it rains tomorrow, let's go shopping at the mall.
If
In English, there are rules to learn about using sentences with if. We call this kind of grammar the Conditional. In this unit, we are going to learn about three kinds of conditional sentences.
If in Complex Sentences
If is used in complex sentences (Unit 7). This means we can say if at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. Remember to use a subject and verb in each clause. Also, we need a comma in the middle of a sentence when it begins with if:
If the weather isn't very good tomorrow, I'll probably just stay home.
I'll probably just stay home if the weather isn't very good tomorrow.
If I hold the baby, she always cries.
The baby always cries if I hold her.
If you have time, could you give me a hand?
Could you give me a hand if you have time?
Sometimes we just use an infinitive verb (or don't + infinitive verb) in the second clause. The subject meaning is "you". This is common for offers, suggestions, advice, orders, and warnings:
- If it snows, don't drive.
- If your cell phone rings, please don't answer it.
- If it's sunny and hot, drink lots of water.
- If you don't understand, let me know.
- If you see a bear, don't run.
It's okay to only say the if-clause in conversation:
A: Are you going to the beach tomorrow?
B: Yeah, if the weather's nice.
If + Present
We do not usually use will with if. Use the present:
If traffic is bad, we'll be late.
What should we do if it rains tomorrow?
Could we eat out tonight if we don't have time to cook dinner?
If & When
If I see you tomorrow = I may see you tomorrow (I'm not sure)
When I see you tomorrow = I will see you tomorrow (I'm sure)
A: Have you seen Jack?
B: No, I haven't, but if I do, I'll tell him to find you.
A: Is Jamie going to the party on Friday?
B: I don't know. I'll ask him when I see him in class tonight.
Exercise
Please click the Exercise link to continue.