In the result clause 11 is common (last examples). We can also use other future forms or an Conditionals 1 imperative. if you increase your order, you're going to get a bigger discount [going to future) A Conditions and results If be doesn't get the job, he'd have done a lot of work for nothing, (future perfect) Compare these sentences, The 'If,..' clause is the condition, and the other part of the sentence if anyone from Head Office calls, say I'm in a meeting. (imperative) is- the result: The examples above are about two actions in the future, If the result clause refers to the 1 If sales increase (generally), we make more profit. 2 If sales increase (next quarter), we'll make múre prolil present we use a present tense. 3 If sales increased (next quarter), we'd make more profit. If anyone calls, I'm in a meeting all morning. 4 If sales increased (last quarter), the Director should be happier. 5 If sales had increased (last quarter), the Director would have been happier. If you need me, I'm working in the room atthe end of the corridor. ' Sentence 1 is about something that is always true. See section B below. Sentence 2 is about something that is reasonably likely to happen in the future. See section C. D If we sold.., (imaginary future) Sentence 3 is about something that is imaginary or unlikely in the future. See section D. Sentences 4 and 5 are about the past. See unit IS. When we want to talk about future events that are imaginary, unlikely or impossible, we use: With all types of conditionals the If clause can come second. Iff past simple or continuous, would J could/might + infinitive We'll make more profit if sales increase. (condition) (result) We'd make more profit if sales increased. 'Outsourcing is the only solution. If we did all of this stuff ourselves, we would have to have at B If we sell... (always true) feast 1,000 people working here,' estimates Ardai. (BusinessWeek website) When we want to talk about things that are always or generally true, we use: In the condition clause we can use a past simple or past continuous. If/When + present, present simple or imperative If you wanted a quantity discount, you'd have to order at least 1,000 units. (condition) (result) If you were still speaking after an hour, the audience would probably be bored. In this type of conditional we are not referring to one specific event. If people understand that change is necessary, they have an appetite for it. ... If you don't get the Note the past form in the condition clause, but the future time reference. best people into the company, your product suffers, (business Week website) In the condition clause there can be a variety of present forms. E Unless When you fly business class, you get much more legroom. (present simple) If interest rates are rising, bank loans become more expensive, (present continuous) Unless means the same as if.., not. When you've finished the course, you get a certificate. (present perfect) In the result clause there can be a present simple (last examples) or an imperative. Polish attitudes are dominated by the belief that unless Poland joins the European Union, things When you fly business class, don't drink too much of the free alcohol. can only get worse. (Le Monde Diplomatique website) Notice that we can use either if or when where the meaning is 'every time'. Compare these sentences which have the same meaning; € If we sell... (likely future) If he doesn't arrive soon, he'll miss the start of the presentation. Unless he arrives soon, he'll miss the start of the presentation, When we want to talk about future events that will happen, or are likely to happen, we use: If +■ present, future or imperative (condition) (result) F Other modals If the compromise deal foils, who knows what will happen at Equitable Life? (Telegraph website) The modals used in this unit are mainly will and would. We can use all other modals like can, ■: In the condition clause there can be a variety of present forms. could, must, etc, with their normal meanings. ."■ If you increase your order, we'll give you a bigger discount (present simple) If you're meeting her at three, I'll join you later at about four, (present continuous) If I've made any mistakes, I'll correct them later. (present perfect) 17 Practice Exercise 1 B C DE Underline the correct words. 1 if yve're/we would be late, they'll start/they'd start without us. 2 If we will take f take a taxi, we'll arrive I we arrive sooner. 3 If we worked/would work for ADC, we'll get/we'd get a better salary. 4 When inflation will go/goes up, there would be/is usually pressure on salaries. 5 If we don't hurry/won't hurry, we would be/we'// be late. 6 If you change/are changing your mind, give me/you will give me a ring. 7 Unless you dick/would dick on that icon, it didn't/it won't print out. 8 if you ordered/order on the Net, we always will send/send an email confirmation. 9 If I lend/will lend you this book, when doyou return/willyou return it? 10 If you heard/hear anything in the next few days, let me/letting me know. Exercise 2 C D Read these sentences and decide if the events are likely or imaginary. Complete the sentences by putting the verbs in brackets into the present simple + will or the past simple + would. Use contracted forms where possible, 1 It's not far. If you.........fp'.lpw........(follow) this road, you................(come) to the station. 2 If I.........„W$*...........(be) on the Board of this company, I......'.d .AC. his ihouqr.is 1 4 with his words a> d). 1 We're likely to offer a lower price. a) If we offer a lower price. If we do, success is possible. we'll get the contract. 2 We're likely to offer a lower price. □ b) If we offer a lower price, If we do, success is certain. we might get the contract. 3 Perhaps we'll offer a lower price. □ c) If we offered a tower price, If we do, success is possible. we'd get the contract. 4 Perhaps we'll offer a Sower price. □ d) If we offered a lower price, If we do, success is certain. we might get the contract. The same supplier is thinking about a negotiation in the past. Match his thoughts 5-8 with his words e)-h). 5 We offered a lower price. □ e) If we'd offered a lower price. That's why we succeeded. we'd have got the contract. 6 We offered a lower price. □ f) If we'd offered a lower price, That's probably why we succeeded. we might have got the contract. 7 We didn't offer a lower price. □ g) If we hadn't offered a lower price, That's why we failed. we'd have lost the contract. 8 We didn't offer a lower price. □ h) If we hadn't offered a lower price, That's probably why we failed. we might have lost the contract.