Lesson 57

USING CONDITIONALS

We use the conditional to show a possible situation based on another situation.

For example:        If A happens, then B will happen.

The first conditional shows that something could possibly happen. Its structure is like this:

If + subject + present tense (or present progressive) subject + will/may/can + base verb —-.

For example:

• If it rains tomorrow, I will take my umbrella.
• If you help me, we can finish
• If the boys give the monkey a coin, it may dance for them.

Notice that each sentence above uses the present tense on the “IF” side. But we could also use the present progressive if something is happening right now.

• If he isn’t working right now, he may want to come over for dinner.

        Please try this out.

• If it rains tomorrow, I will _______________.
• If you help me, we can _________________.
• If he isn’t working right now, he may ______________.