B3RW Unit 1 Grammar: Real Conditionals-Present and Future

Summary

Today's lesson focused on real conditionals in present and future tenses. The present real conditional is straightforward, using 'if' and 'then' clauses in the present simple tense for habits or facts. The future real conditional describes probable outcomes in the future, using 'will' or 'going to'. Both types can switch clause order, omitting commas when the result clause precedes. Modals like 'may', 'could', and 'must' are common in result clauses. The lesson encouraged forming sentences and understanding the difference between dependent 'if' clauses and independent result clauses.

Takeaways

• 📝 Real conditionals are used to express cause and effect relationships in present and future tenses.
• 🔑 The present real conditional is formed with an 'if' clause followed by a comma and a result clause, both in the present simple tense.
• 🌧️ Example of present real conditional: 'If it rains, I may bring an umbrella.'
• 🔄 You can switch the order of the clauses in real conditional sentences, placing the result clause first without a comma.
• 🔮 The future real conditional describes probable outcomes in specific future situations, using 'will' or 'going to'.
• 👶 Example of future real conditional: 'If you shout, you will wake up the baby.'
• 🗣️ Modal verbs like 'may', 'could', and 'must' can be used in the result clause of present real conditionals.
• 🕒 The future real conditional also allows switching the order of the if clause and the result clause, similar to the present tense.
• 🤔 The use of 'when' or 'whenever' can replace 'if' in conditional sentences, indicating the time of the action.
• 📖 Practice is encouraged to master the use of real conditionals, with suggestions to form sentences using provided words.
• ❓ The lesson ends with a question for reflection: 'What are the differences between an if clause and the result clause?'

Q & A

What are real conditionals?

Real conditionals are sentences that include two parts: an 'if' clause and a 'then' clause. They describe a condition and its probable result.

What is the present real conditional?

The present real conditional describes a situation in the present where if one thing happens, another will also happen. Both clauses are in the present simple tense.

Do you need a comma after the 'if' clause in a present real conditional sentence?

Yes, a comma is needed after the 'if' clause in a present real conditional sentence.

What is the future real conditional?

The future real conditional describes what is likely to happen in a specific situation in the future, given that a certain condition is met.

Can you use 'going to' in a future real conditional sentence?

Yes, 'going to' can be used in a future real conditional sentence to indicate future actions that are probable.

Can the order of the 'if' clause and the result clause be switched in real conditional sentences?

Yes, the order can be switched, and when the result clause comes first, the comma is not needed.

What is the difference between an 'if' clause and a result clause?

The 'if' clause is dependent and sets the condition, while the result clause is independent and describes the outcome of the condition.

Can 'when' or 'whenever' be used instead of 'if' in conditional sentences?

Yes, 'when' or 'whenever' can be used in place of 'if' to introduce the condition in conditional sentences.

What is the significance of the comma in conditional sentences?

The comma in conditional sentences is used to separate the 'if' clause from the result clause when the 'if' clause comes first.

How can you form a present real conditional sentence using the word 'money'?

You can form a present real conditional sentence like this: 'If I have money, I save it.'

What is the role of modals in the result clause of real conditional sentences?

Modals like 'may', 'could', 'must', etc., are used in the result clause to indicate the possibility or certainty of the outcome.