There are a number of different ways of referring to the future in English.

It is important
to remember that we are expressing more than simply the time of the action or event.
Obviously, any 'future' tense will always refer to a time 'later than now', but it may also
express our attitude to the future event.

All of the following ideas can be expressed using different tenses:

 Simple prediction: There will be snow in many areas tomorrow.

 Willingness(intención/Buena voluntad: ) We'll give you a lift to the cinema.
 Offerings: I’ll carry those bags for you
 With certain expressions: I think; I hope; I believe

 Arrangements(acuerdos) I'm meeting Jim at the airport.
 Prediction based on present evidence: I think it's going to rain!

 Plans and intentions: We're going to spend the summer abroad.

 Time-tabled eventshorarios) The plane takes off at 3 a.m.

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Conditional If clause
Usage Main clause verb tense
sentence type verb tense
Simple
Zero General truths Simple present
present
A possible condition and its Simple
Type 1 Simple future
probable result present
Present conditional or
A hypothetical condition and
Type 2 Simple past Present continuous
its probable result
conditional
An unreal past condition and
Type 3 Past perfect Perfect conditional
its probable result in the past
An unreal past condition and
Mixed type its probable result in the Past perfect Present contditional
present

First Conditional Sentence

The type 1 conditional is used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. The
type 1 conditional refers to a possible condition and its probable result.

If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple future (will)
If you don't hurry you will miss the train.
If it rains today you will get wet.

Type 2 conditional
The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation
that is unreal. These sentences are not based on fact. The type 2 conditional is used to
refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result.

If clause Main clause

If + simple past present conditional
If you went to bed earlier you would not be so tired.
If it rained you would get wet.
If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy.

Put the verbs into the correct form (will, going to, simple present or present
progressive).

1. I love London. I (probably / go)..........................)there next year.

2. Our train (leave).............................at 4:47.
3. What (wear / you)..........................at the party tonight?
4. I haven't made up my mind yet. But I think I (find)..........................something
nice in my mum's wardrobe.
5. This is my last day here. I (go)..........................back to England tomorrow.
6. Hurry up! The conference (begin)..........................in 20 minutes.
7. My horoscope says that I (meet)..........................an old friend this week.
8. Look at these big black clouds! It (rain)...........................
9. Here is the weather forecast. Tomorrow (be)..........................dry and sunny.
10. What does a blonde say when she sees a banana skin lying just a few metres in
front of her? - Oh dear! I (slip)..........................!

Use first or second conditional

1He's coming to our offices tomorrow. If I (see)................him, I'll give him the
message.
2We (move).............if we had the money. Unfortunately new houses are very
expensive in this area.
3If I (be).............a millionaire, I'd still work so that I didn't get bored.
4If I (tell).............you a secret, will you promise not to tell anyone?
5Do you think it would be better if I (wait).............another week, or shall I sell my
shares in the company now?
6If he causes any more problems, I (fire).............him.
7Would you mind if I (open).............the window? It's really hot in here.
8If I (lose).............my job, I'd apply to join the police.
9Where would you go if you (can).............go anywhere in the world?
10If you (see).............her, say hello.