Conditional structures (sentences) are important in English. They help us talk about what might happen, what we expect, or what we want. You can use them to explain results, give polite requests, or talk about things people do.
This lesson will teach you how to use if in different ways. You will learn about sentences like if you should, if it/that will, if you will, if you won’t, and if you will/would. Each has a special meaning and is used in different situations.
By the end of this lesson, you will understand how to use these phrases. You will also know how to make your English more polite and clear when speaking or writing.
Conditional Structures – If You Should’ and Other Conditional Phrases
This lesson focuses on various ways to use conditionals with “if,” such as if you should, if it/that will, if you will, if you won’t, and if you will/would. Each structure serves a specific purpose in communication, from expressing likelihood to making polite requests.
1. If You Should…
This structure is used to talk about something possible but not very likely. It conveys uncertainty or a hypothetical situation.
Examples:
- If he should call, tell him I will ring back.
- If you should find it, don’t tell anyone.
- If there should be a problem, don’t hesitate to call.
- If you should find my book, please give it to me.
- If there should be a problem, let me know.
2. If It/That Will…
In conditional sentences, “if it/that will” refers to the result, not the condition. This structure is useful for discussing future results that depend on certain actions.
Examples:
- If it will save our marriage, I’ll try to give up drinking.
- Pay the course fees, if that will persuade you to apply to university.
- Take the week off, if that will help you to recover.
- If it will make you feel more comfortable, you can bring a friend.
- If it will save money, I will buy it now.
- Pay the fee if that will make you happy.
- If it will make things easier, I can help you.
3. If You Will…
This phrase means “if you insist” and emphasizes persistence or determination. Stress is placed on the word “will.”
Examples:
- If you will smoke so much, it’s not surprising you have a cough.
- If she will eat so many chocolates, it’s not surprising she has a spotty face.
- If you will stay up late, you will feel tired tomorrow.
- If she will eat too much candy, she will have a toothache.
- If you will not study, you won’t pass the test.
4. If You Won’t…
The negative form, “if you won’t,” indicates refusal or unwillingness. It places stress on “won’t” and sometimes uses personification with objects.
Examples:
- If she won’t come with us, there’s nothing we can do.
- What shall we do if she won’t agree to the operation?
- If my car won’t start, we’ll have to walk.
- If she won’t come with us, we can’t help her.
- What will you do if he won’t listen to you?
- If my car won’t start, I’ll call a mechanic.
5. If You Will/Would…
These phrases are often used for polite requests and have the same meaning as “if you wouldn’t mind.”
Examples:
- If you’ll just fill in this form, you can hand it to reception.
- If you would take a seat, the doctor will see you in five minutes.
- If you will come this way, the manager will see you now.
- If you’ll take a seat, I’ll bring your coffee.
- If you would sign here, we can complete the process.
- If you will come this way, the manager will see you now.
Practice Exercises Conditional Sentences
A. Fill in the Blanks:
Complete the sentences using the correct conditional phrase.
- If it ________ make you feel better, I will apologize.
- If you ________ clean your room, it will look nicer.
- What will you do if she ________ answer your call?
B. Rewrite the Sentences:
Change the sentences to use one of the conditional phrases:
- Please wait here. The doctor will see you soon.
- It is not surprising that he feels cold because he never wears a jacket.
- If she refuses to come, we can’t force her.
C. Create Your Own Sentences:
Write two sentences using if you should and if you will/would.
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