Study the examples given below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we are certain that something will happen, we use a simple present tense<\/strong> in the if-clause <\/strong>and will + infinitive <\/strong>in the main clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we imagine something that we do not expect to happen, we use a simple past tense<\/strong> in the if-clause and would \/ could \/ might + infinitive<\/strong> in the main clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not expect her to get a better job because we believe that she is unlikely to learn English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, If you had<\/strong> a university degree, your career prospects would improve<\/strong>. (We are talking about something unlikely to happen here.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that if + simple past <\/strong>does not have a past meaning. It is used to talk about situations that are unlikely to happen in the present or future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the following sentences and answer the questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. If I became the Prime Minister, I would abolish taxes. Am I likely to become the Prime Minister? <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. It is an old and dilapidated house. If you sold it, you wouldn’t get much money for it. Do I expect you to sell the house?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. If she learnt from her mistakes, she wouldn’t commit them again and again. Did she learn from her mistakes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. If you start now, you will not miss the train. Do I expect you to start now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. If you take the medicine, you will get better. If it possible that you will take the medicine?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWorksheet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n