|
|
| |
Topic: If #1 |
5 Feb 2002 |
| |
The word if can sometimes be very troublesome for Thai students.
If and if-clause can cause a lot
of confusion due to its complex tenses and irregular verb forms. It gets more complicated because
if can refer to things which have already happened, might happen,
and won't happen at all. This week and next week's grammar section will be dedicated to the use of if.
|
If: ordinary tenses
if + clause, + clause
clause + if + clause
|
An if-clause
can come at the beginning or end of a sentence:
If you eat too much, you get fat.
You get fat if you eat too much.
We can use the same tenses in the if-clause and main clause. |
For example:
If you want to learn a music instrument, you have to practice.
If that was Mary, why didn't she stop and say hello?
If you don't like hot weather, you'll be unhappy in Texas. |
In the if-clause, we usually use a present tense to talk about the future.
When we want to make a prediction or say something that is possible and probably in
the future we use the present tense in the if-clause and the future tense in the main clause.
If+ present tense, future tense.
Future tense+ if + present tense.
For example:
If I have enough time tomorrow, I'll come and see you.
(NOT If I'll have enough time
.) I'll give her your love if I see her.
(NOT
if I'll see her.)
|
We can use " If + will " in polite requests, but the meaning is not really future.
If you will come this way, I'll take you to the manager's office.
Well, this is just a simple use of if. Next week, we will bring you the use of if in its special tenses
like unreal past, unreal present etc. Don't forget to come check. |
|
Exercise: If |
| Directions: Put the verbs in the brackets after the blank into the correct form. |
 1. If you are caught lying, no one _______(believe) you again. |
| 2. Give me a call if you _______(need) help. |
| 3. You _______ (wake) everybody up if you _______ (be) not quiet. |
| 4. Don't be angry if I _______ (tell) you this. |
| 5. If he _______ (book) a ticket in advance, he _______ (get) a 10% discount. |
| 6. If you _______ (take) a seat, our staff will be right with you in a moment. |
| 7. It is the end of the season for them if they _______ (lose) this game. |
| 8. If you _______ (like) this model, we can order one from the factory for you. |
|
Answers |
|
|
