IF + present simple

A2, ability, cause, CLAUSES, conditional, facts, instruction, likelihood, MODALITY, offer, possibility, PRESENT, simple, suggestion, true

present simple

The present simple tense is a basic tense in English. It’s used to express facts, generalizations, and habitual actions.

The zero conditional structure “if + present simple,  present simple in the main clause” in English grammar is used to express a condition and its potential outcome.

The “if” clause sets up a hypothetical situation or condition, and the main clause then describes what happens if that condition is met. Both the condition and the result are expressed in the present simple tense, which indicates that they are general truths or habits.

For example, consider the sentence: “If he wins the race, he becomes the champion.” Here, “If he wins the race” is the condition. The outcome, “he becomes the champion” is what happens when that condition is met.

This structure is often used to talk about routines, scientific facts, or cause-and-effect relationships that are always or usually true.

PELIC STUDENT EXAMPLE:

If this happens, money only brings him loneliness, not happiness.

Chinese, Male, Level 4, Writing Class.

This sentence could be used in a context where the speaker is discussing the potential negative effects of wealth or the misconception that money can buy happiness. It implies that under certain circumstances, wealth can lead to isolation or unhappiness instead of contentment.

*Note that our grammar point is hidden under two other A2 grammar points here.

imperative

The structure “if + present simple + imperative in the main clause” in English grammar is used to give advice or suggest an action under a certain condition.

For example, consider the sentence: “If you feel sick, see a doctor.” Here, “If you feel sick” is the condition. The imperative, “see a doctor,” is the advice given when that condition is met. This sentence suggests that whenever the speaker feels sick (the condition), they should see a doctor (the action).

This structure is often used to give advice or instructions based on a certain condition.

can

The structure “if + present simple + can in the main clause” in English grammar is used to express a condition (the “if” clause) and a potential outcome  (the “can” in the main clause).

The main clause then describes what is possible if that condition is met.

For example, in the sentence “If you put your glasses on, you can see better,” the condition is “If you put your glasses on,” and the outcome, expressed with “can,” is that you have the ability or possibility to see better .

Profiling Research

In the English Grammar Profile, A2 point 31 in the category of CLAUSES/conditional is defined as:

‘if’ + present simple with present simple, ‘can’ or imperative in the main clause to refer to things that are true now or very likely to happen.

*Note this point overlaps many others in regards to imperatives, such as: A2 if you want | like | prefer + imperative

so we will focus on ‘can’ in the main clause for this post.

Here are the 10 most recent examples of ‘can’ in conditional sentences, found with a manual search in TED corpus for:

if * , * can

If you‘re queer like me,

 talk to the straightest person 

you can find.

TED

In the example above, ‘talk’ is the imperative and ‘can’ is in a subordinate clause.  The sentence seems to be encouraging open dialogue and understanding between different sexual orientations. The speaker, who identifies as queer, is suggesting that engaging in conversation with someone who identifies as straight – presumably someone with a different perspective or set of experiences – can lead to increased understanding and empathy.

 

If we look at it differently, 

it can actually be a source of great strategic advantage,

 both for companies and entire countries.

TED

The key idea in the above example is that shifting our perspective can help us see opportunities where we previously saw obstacles. This “if + can” structure allows for the expression of possibilities and potentials.

So if you want me to sketch

what a superintelligence might do,

I can go deeper and deeper into places

where we think there are predictable technological advancements

that we haven’t figured out yet.

TED

In this context, the “if + can” structure is used to convey that the speaker is willing and able to delve deeper into the topic, but will only do so if the listener expresses an interest or desire for them to do so. It’s a way of offering more information while also being considerate of the listener’s wishes or preferences.

If we properly invest into data infrastructure and data preparation,

all this can be avoided.

TED

Now, that means that

if you’re only able to hear the low end 

because of some high frequency noise

 that’s in the environment,

we can still communicate as human beings.

TED

And if I put it next to mine, 

you can see it‘s about the right shape.

TED

Negation is also possible:

If you want to challenge the system,

you can’t just question authority,

as we were all told

when we were growing up.

TED

Note that ‘can’ is also often in the ‘if’ clause, the following example has an imperative in the main clause too:

If you can see what’s wrong,

say ‘I see it.’

TED

 

If you can bring a lot of fire management resource to a fire very quickly,

you can get on top of fires 

before they get big and unmanageable.

TED

The straightforward fact is,

if you can’t see it,

you can’t manage it.

TED

A search in iWeb for:

if * _VV0 , _P

1 IF YOU WANT, YOU 5607

2 IF YOU PREFER, YOU 4395

  National Catholic Reporter
Or if you prefer, you can sign up here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

For the results 3-20, we had AI complete sentences with CAN in the main clause:

  1. If you wish, you can make a donation to our charity.
  2. If you like, you can join us for dinner tonight.
  3. If you want, I can help you with your homework.
  4. If you win, you can choose your prize from the options available.
  5. If you choose, you can opt for the vegetarian meal.
  6. If you like, I can show you around the city.
  7. If you qualify, you can apply for the scholarship.
  8. If you fail, you can retake the test next month.
  9. If, say, you are not satisfied with our service, you can request a refund.
  10. If you prefer, we can arrange a meeting at your convenience.
  11. If you die, your assets can be transferred to your next of kin.
  12. If you lose, you can still participate in the consolation round.
  13. If you remember, I told you about the changes in the schedule.
  14. If you succeed, you can be promoted to the next level.
  15. If you want, we can postpone the meeting to next week.
  16. If I win, I will donate the prize money to charity.
  17. If they fail, they will have to repeat the course next semester.
  18. If you wish, I can send you a reminder for the event.

These sentences illustrate how ‘if + present simple + CAN in the main clause’ is used in English to express conditions and possible outcomes or actions. The main clause after ‘if’ provides instructions or suggestions that should be followed if the condition in the ‘if’ clause is met.

I had to correct AI:

If you remember, I can remind you about the changes in the schedule.

If I win, I can donate the prize money to charity.

If they fail, they can retake the course next semester.

if * _VVZ , _P

1 IF THIS HAPPENS, YOU 1640
2 IF THAT HAPPENS, YOU 731
3 IF IT WORKS, IT 631
4 IF THIS HAPPENS, IT 601
5 IF THAT HAPPENS, IT 524
6 IF IT HAPPENS, IT 498
7 IF IT HELPS, I 432
8 IF THIS HAPPENS, WE 388
9 IF THIS OCCURS, YOU 345
10 IF THAT HAPPENS, I 327
11 IF THAT HAPPENS, WE 313
12 IF IT WORKS, I 218
13 IF IT FAILS, IT 193
14 IF IT WORKS, YOU 182
15 IF THIS OCCURS, IT 175
16 IF IT HELPS, YOU 168
17 IF IT FAILS, YOU 151
18 IF HE WINS, HE 129
19 IF IT EXISTS, IT 124
20 IF THIS OCCURS, WE 117

We had AI replace the pronouns in the ‘if’ clause and complete the main clauses:

here are the sentences with “it” and “that” replaced with suitable subjects:

  1. If a power outage happens, you automatically get a notification.
  2. If a system error occurs, you need to restart your computer.
  3. If the machine works, it makes a sound.
  4. If a fire alarm is triggered, the system triggers an alarm.
  5. If a power failure occurs, the system shuts down immediately.
  6. If a light signal is received, the bulb lights up.
  7. If my advice helps, I always keep a spare key under the mat.
  8. If a security breach happens, we implement our contingency plan.
  9. If a successful login occurs, you should see a green light.
  10. If a stressful situation arises, I usually take a break and walk around for a bit.
  11. If a project deadline is missed, we usually have a meeting to discuss our next steps.
  12. If the software installation works, I get a confirmation email.
  13. If the network connection fails, the system tries again after five minutes.
  14. If the payment process works, you receive a success message.
  15. If an earthquake occurs, the building automatically switches to backup power.
  16. If my notes help, you can use THEM to study for the test.
  17. If the download fails, you get an error message.
  18. If he wins the race, he becomes the champion.
  19. If the file exists, it appears in the database.
  20. If an emergency situation occurs, we send out a warning to all employees.

A2 vocabulary in the above:

fail, fails, happens, if, lose, prefer, win, wins, wish

_VV0 if * _VV0

*In the following, ‘if’ often means ‘whether’.

1 DECIDE IF YOU WANT 1939
2 SEE IF YOU GET 1234
3 SEE IF YOU LIKE 1059
4 THINK IF YOU LOOK 913
5 THINK IF YOU WANT 639
6 SEE IF YOU AGREE 561
7 SELECT IF YOU WANT 516
8 CHOOSE IF YOU WANT 505
9 NEED IF YOU WANT 413
10 ASK IF YOU WANT 399
11 SEE IF YOU QUALIFY 393
12 SEE IF YOU NOTICE 373
13 THINK IF YOU GO 315
14 GUESS IF YOU WANT 315
15 DECIDE IF THEY WANT 303
16 SEE IF YOU FEEL 282
17 SEE IF YOU NEED 282
18 SEE IF I GET 282
19 KNOW IF YOU WANT 277
20 KNOW IF YOU NEED 274

_VV0 if _VV0

1 IF YOU LIKE, ADD 142
2 IF YOU LIVE, WORK 131
3 IF YOU PREFER, USE 105
4 IF YOU WANT, ADD 104
5 IF YOU SMOKE, STOP 98
6 IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT 80
7 IF YOU WANT, GO 75
8 IF YOU WISH, ADD 75
9 IF YOU PREFER, CALL 71
10 IF YOU WANT, USE 71

Completed with AI:

  1. If you like, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
  2. If you live, work hard to make your life meaningful.
  3. If you prefer, use the back entrance to avoid the crowd.
  4. If you want, add your name to the mailing list for updates.
  5. If you smoke, stop now for the sake of your health.
  6. If symptoms persist, consult a medical professional immediately.
  7. If you want, go ahead and start without me.
  8. If you wish, add a personal message to the gift.
  9. If you prefer, call our customer service for further assistance.
  10. If you want, use this alternative method to solve the problem.

These sentences illustrate how ‘if’ is used in English to express conditions and possible outcomes or actions. The main clause after ‘if’ provides instructions or suggestions that should be followed if the condition in the ‘if’ clause is met.

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