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English grammar

If it rains, we will stay in

A2 · Elementary Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

For something that may really happen, English uses if + the PRESENT, then will in the other half: If it rains, we will stay at home. The if-half never takes will, however future it feels. when works the same way and means you are sure it will happen: When I get home, I will call you.

Pattern

If + present, … will + plain verb · never: If it will rain

Examples

  1. If it rains, we will stay at home.

  2. I will call you when I get home.

  3. If you are late, they will not wait.

  4. We will go if the weather stays dry.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: If it will rain, we will stay in.

    Right: If it rains, we will stay in.

    The if-half takes the present, never will.

  • Wrong: If you come early, you get a better seat tomorrow.

    Right: If you come early, you will get a better seat.

    The other half takes will.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Fill in the gap.

    If the shop _____ closed, we will go tomorrow.

    1. was
    2. is
    3. will be
    4. be
    Show answer

    Answer: B If the shop is closed, we will go tomorrow.

    The if-half takes the present.

  2. 2Fill in the gap.

    If you miss the bus, I _____ you a lift.

    1. gave
    2. will give
    3. give
    4. am giving
    Show answer

    Answer: B If you miss the bus, I will give you a lift.

    The other half takes will.

  3. 3Fill in the gap.

    I will let you know when I _____ the result.

    1. will get
    2. am getting
    3. got
    4. get
    Show answer

    Answer: D I will let you know when I get the result.

    After when the verb is present.

  4. 4Fill in the gap.

    If she _____ not answer, leave a message.

    1. is
    2. did
    3. does
    4. will
    Show answer

    Answer: C If she does not answer, leave a message.

    The if-half takes the present.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    We _____ eat outside if it is warm enough.

    1. are
    2. did
    3. do
    4. will
    Show answer

    Answer: D We will eat outside if it is warm enough.

    The other half takes will.

  6. 6Choose the correct sentence.

    1. If it snows, the school will close.
    2. If it snowed, the school will close.
    3. If it snows, the school close.
    4. If it will snow, the school will close.
    Show answer

    Answer: A If it snows, the school will close.

    Present in the if-half, will in the other.

  7. 7Choose the correct sentence.

    1. I will call you when I arrived.
    2. I will call you when I arrive.
    3. I will call you when I will arrive.
    4. I call you when I will arrive.
    Show answer

    Answer: B I will call you when I arrive.

    After when the verb is present.

  8. 8This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. If you need help, I will come.
    2. If you will need help, tell me.
    3. If you need help, tell me.
    4. When you need help, tell me.
    Show answer

    Answer: B If you will need help, tell me.

    No will after if.

  9. 9This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Which sentence is wrong?

    1. If the train is late, we will take a taxi.
    2. If the train is late, we take a taxi tomorrow.
    3. When the train is late, we take a taxi.
    4. If the train is late, we can take a taxi.
    Show answer

    Answer: B If the train is late, we take a taxi tomorrow.

    A future result takes will.

  10. 10Put the words in the right order.

    If it rains we will stay inside

    Show answer

    Answer: If it rains we will stay inside.

    Present, then will.

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