17 – 5 EXPRESSING CONDITIONS IN ADVERB CLAUSES: IF-CLAUSES (a) If it rains, the streets get wet
If-clauses (also called “adverb clauses of
condition”) present possible conditions. The
main clause expresses results.
In (a): POSSIBLE CONDITION = it rains
RESULT = the streets get wet (b) If it rains tomorrow, I will take my umbrella. A present tense, not a future tense, is used in
an if-clause even though the verb in the if- clause may refer to a future event or
situation, as in (b).*
WORDS THAT INTRODUCE ADVERB CLAUSES OF CONDITIONAL (IF-CLAUSES)
If
whether
even if
in case
in the event that
unless
only if
*See Chapter 20 for uses of other verb forms in sentence with if-clauses.
EXERCISE 10. IF-clauses. (Chart 17-5)
Directions: Make sentence from the given possibilities. Use if.
1. It may be cold tomorrow.
If it’s cold tomorrow, I’m going to stay home.
If it’s cold tomorrow, Let’s go skating.
If it’s cold tomorrow, you should wear your wool sweater.
We can’t go on a picnic if it’s cold tomorrow.
2. Maybe it will be hot tomorrow.
3. Maybe you will have some free time tomorrow.
4. Maybe you will lock yourself out of your apartment.
5. Maybe the sun will be shining when you get up tomorrow morning.
6. You will probably be too tired to finish your work today.
7. You might not have enough money to take your trip next month.
8. We might continue to destroy our environment.
17-6 ADVERB CLAUSES OF CONDITION: USING WHETHER OR NOT AND EVEN IF WHETER OR NOT (a) I’m going to go swimming tommorow
