Conditions and possible results

Approximate A2–B1 · editorial content label, not a certified rating.

A common real-future conditional uses if plus present simple and will plus a base verb in the result: If it rains, we will stay inside. An imagined present/future situation often uses if plus past form and would in the result. The past form can mark distance from reality, not past time.

Try the three exercise formats

Examples to compare

  • If it rains, we will stay inside.
  • We will stay inside if it rains.
  • If I had more time, I would read more.

Watch the meaning and the limits

If I had more time, I would read more does not say I had time yesterday. These patterns are useful starting points, not every possible conditional. Put a comma after an initial if clause; normally omit it when the if clause comes second.

Read each example aloud, then change one detail to make a sentence you could use. Continue with focused practice when you want a different set.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake: If it will rains, we will stay inside.

Use: If it rains, we will stay inside.

For this common possible-future pattern, use present simple in the if clause.

Try the pattern

3 choose questions · 2 sentence completions · 2 word gaps. Read the reason after every answer. No timer.

Typed answers stay on this page. This guided set checks the requested construction; it does not judge general writing. Read the accepted answers and reasons.

Use it in your own sentence

Write one sentence about your own routine or situation. Check the subject, verb form and intended meaning against the rule above. A different sentence may need a different form: these exercises accept the reviewed answers for their stated context.

Try the next practice set, or choose another grammar point.

All drill answers and reasons

  1. If it ___ tomorrow, we will stay inside.

    Choices: rains / will rains / raining

    Accepted: rains

    Use present simple in this possible-future if clause.

  2. If I had more time now, I ___ read more.

    Choices: would / will have / am

    Accepted: would

    Would fits this imagined present situation.

  3. If she calls, I will ___ the message.

    Choices: take / took / taking

    Accepted: take

    Will takes the base form take.

  4. Complete using will and stay: If it rains tomorrow, we ___ inside.

    Accepted: will stay / ’ll stay

    In this stated pattern, the result uses will plus stay.

  5. Complete using would and read: If I had more time now, I ___ more.

    Accepted: would read / ’d read

    Would plus read fits the imagined present situation.

  6. If it ___ tomorrow, we will stay inside. Use rain in this common possible-future pattern.

    Accepted: rains

    Use present simple rains in this if clause.

  7. If I ___ more time now, I would read more. Use have in this imagined-present pattern.

    Accepted: had

    The past form had marks an imagined situation here, not yesterday.

Practice questions

How do the three exercise formats work?

Choose asks you to pick an answer. Complete the sentence asks you to type the missing phrase. Fill in the word asks for one word, or no article where stated. Every checked answer includes a reason.

Which typed answers are accepted?

Use the form and meaning requested in the prompt. Reviewed alternatives and contractions are accepted where they fit. Capital letters, surrounding spaces, straight or curly apostrophes and a final full stop, question mark or exclamation mark do not affect marking. The answer reference lists the accepted forms.

Are my typed answers sent or saved?

Typed answers stay on this page in your browser. They are not sent to the server or saved. If device progress is available, completing a set records only the activity and study points on this device.

Can this check my own writing or certify my level?

No. This is a small guided set with reviewed answers, not a general grammar checker or a level certificate. An unlisted answer does not mean it is always wrong in English. Read the prompt and the explanation for this construction.

Further reference: Cambridge English Grammar Today. The explanations, examples and exercises here are original; each lesson covers a useful pattern rather than every exception.