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Unit 99 · Conjunctions and clauses

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

Study

A

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

If at the beginning

If we go by bus, it will be cheaper.
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 in the middle

It will be cheaper if we go by bus.
You'll miss the train if you don't hurry.
I'm going to the concert if I can get a ticket.
Is it OK if I use your phone?

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 call 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: Maybe. If I go out, I'll close the windows.

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 windows.

Compare when and if:

›

When I get home this evening, I'm going to have a shower.

›

If I'm late this evening, don't wait for me. (not When I'm late)

›

We're going to play tennis if it doesn't rain. (not when it doesn't rain)

Exercises (4)

0/4 exercises checked
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99.1

Write sentences beginning with If. Choose from the boxes.

  1. 1
    If you don't hurry, example
  2. 2
    If you pass the exam,
  3. 3
    If you fail the exam,
  4. 4
    If you don't want this magazine,
  5. 5
    If you want those pictures,
  6. 6
    If you're busy now,
  7. 7
    If you're hungry,
  8. 8
    If you need money,
99.2

Which is right?

  1. 1
    If / late this evening, don't wait for me.example
  2. 2
    Will you call me if / you my phone number?
  3. 3
    If there / a fire, the alarm will ring.
  4. 4
    If I don't see you tomorrow morning, / you in the evening.
  5. 5
    / surprised if Michael and Jane / married.
  6. 6
    / to the party if / you?
99.3

Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.

  1. 1
    I'm going to the concert if example
  2. 2
    If you don't hurry, example
  3. 3
    I don't want to disturb you if
  4. 4
    If you go to bed early tonight,
  5. 5
    Turn the TV off if
  6. 6
    Tina won't pass her exams if
  7. 7
    If I have time tomorrow,
  8. 8
    We can go to the beach tomorrow if
  9. 9
    I'll be surprised if
99.4

Write if or when.

  1. 1
    I'm late this evening, don't wait for me.example
  2. 2
    I'm going to do some shopping now. I come back, we can have lunch.
  3. 3
    I'm thinking of going to see Tom. I go, will you come with me?
  4. 4
    you don't want to go out tonight, we can stay at home.
  5. 5
    Is it OK I close the window?
  6. 6
    John is still at school. he leaves school, he wants to go to college.
  7. 7
    Shall we have a picnic tomorrow the weather is good?
  8. 8
    We're going to Madrid next week. We don't have anywhere to stay — we hope to find a hotel we get there. I don't know what we'll do we don't find a room.