If…
English course · B1 · Intermediate · 6 short videos
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The videos of this unit
SceneIf we finish this today
The deal of the week.
Priya If we finish this today, we can leave early on Friday.
Mia Then let's work fast!
Priya But if Tom changes his mind again…
Mia …we'll be here all weekend.
Priya Exactly. Unless we hide.
Mia I'll get the coffee.
Useful expression If we finish this today, we can leave early. — Use “if” + present to talk about a possible result.
SceneThe plant
Ben has one job.
Priya If you don't water the plant, it'll die.
Ben OK, I'll water it every day.
Priya Ben, if you water it again, it'll eat us.
WordUnless
One word for “if not”.
Word unless /ənˈles/ — If not. Except if.
- I won't go unless you come.
- Don't call me unless it's important.
MistakeStop saying “If it will rain”
Stop saying “If it will rain”.
Common mistake If it will rain, we will stay at home. → If it rains, we'll stay at home.
Why: After “if”, use the present, even for the future. “Will” goes in the other part.
- If you're late, I'll wait.
- I'll call you when I arrive.
- As soon as I know, I'll tell you.
SoundsWait or wet?
If it rains, you'll be…
Word wait /weɪt/ / wet /wet/
- Astuce (wait) : “wait” slides from “e” to “i”: we-it. “wet” is one short sound.
QuizConditional quiz
Conditional quiz: 4 questions!
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