English grammar
First conditional: if + present, will / imperative
Talk about real possibilities using if + present.
From the scene And what if it gets lost?
In short
For something that might really happen, use if + present simple, then will or a command. Don't put will after if.
Your turn
Which one goes with if + present, + command?
Options: if you lose the box, I'll kill you · if I lose it, I'll buy another one · if you lose anything, call me
Show answer
if + present, + command → if you lose anything, call me
How it works
For something realistic that might really happen, use if + present simple, then will (or a command) for the result: if you lose the box, I'll kill you.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
If Doña Elena (blank) everything... she can keep the rings!
Options: finds · will find · found
Show answer
If Doña Elena finds everything... she can keep the rings!
Si Doña Elena lo encuentra todo... ¡que guarde ella los anillos!
Good to know
If you lose anything, call me. Never put will in the if-clause itself.
if + present, + will if you lose the box, I'll kill you
Tomás
If you lose the box, Javi, I'll kill you.
Si pierdes la caja, Javi, te mato.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), Javi, I'll kill you.
Options: If you lose the box · If you lose anything, call me · I'll buy another one
Show answer
Tomás
If you lose the box, Javi, I'll kill you.
Si pierdes la caja, Javi, te mato.
if + present, + command if you lose anything, call me
Elena
It's in your hand, dear. If you lose anything, call me.
Lo tienes en la mano, cariño. Si pierdes algo, llámame.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's in your hand, dear. (blank).
Options: If you lose anything, call me · If you lose the box · If I lose it, I'll buy another one
Show answer
Elena
It's in your hand, dear. If you lose anything, call me.
Lo tienes en la mano, cariño. Si pierdes algo, llámame.
a realistic possibility if I lose it, I'll buy another one
Javi
Relax. If I lose it, I'll buy another one.
Tranquilo. Si la pierdo, compro otra.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Relax. (blank).
Options: If I lose it, I'll buy another one · If you lose the box, I'll kill you · If you lose anything, call me
Show answer
Javi
Relax. If I lose it, I'll buy another one.
Tranquilo. Si la pierdo, compro otra.
never will after if if you lose it (not if you will lose it)
Your turn
What goes with if you lose it (not if you will lose it)?
Options: never will after if · if + present, + will · if + present, + command
Show answer
if you lose it (not if you will lose it) → never will after if
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| if + present, + will | if you lose the box, I'll kill you |
|---|---|
| if + present, + command | if you lose anything, call me |
| a realistic possibility | if I lose it, I'll buy another one |
| never will after if | if you lose it (not if you will lose it) |
More lines from the story
- TomásIf Doña Elena finds everything... she can keep the rings!Si Doña Elena lo encuentra todo... ¡que guarde ella los anillos!
- JaviAnd I keep them until the wedding, right?Y yo los guardo hasta la boda, ¿no?
- TomásWe'll take these, the gold ones. With the date engraved.Nos llevamos estos, de oro. Con la fecha grabada.