Future time clauses and conditionals

​Future time clauses and conditionals

Intermed​iate Plus - B2

We use future time clauses to talk about future possibilities, future plans or give advice. We can normally use will, be going to, or the imperative in the main clause.​

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1. When I go hiking next week, ​I'll try a new path.

2. If you see a bear, don't run!

3. We are going to travel as soon as we ​retire.

Future time clauses and conditionals

We normally use a present tense in the subordinate clause with words like if, when, as soon as, unless, as long as, provided, in case, etc.

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1. When I go hiking next week, ​I'll try a new path.

2. If you see a bear, don't run!

3. As soon as it gets too cold, we'll go home.

4. Always bring a snack in case you get hungry.

5. It won't attack provided you're standing still.​

Future time clauses and conditionals

We can also use the same time clauses to talk about facts and things that are generally true. In these sentences we often use a present tense verb in the main clause:

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1. If I study, I get good grades.

2. When I get hungry, I go to sleep.

3. As soon as it gets cold, I go home.

4. Peter usually falls asleep late unless he is stressed.

Future time clauses and conditionals

​If...

When "if" means "whether", we normally need "will" or "going to" to refer to the future:

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"I don't know if/whether I'll see any wild animals when I'm on holiday"​

"I have tons of photographs but I don't know if/whether we'll be able to see them all"​

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​As soon as...

As soon as shows that something will happen immediately after another thing:​ "As soon as I get home, I'll email you"

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We can use present perfect or present simple after words like "as soon as" or "when" to talk about completed processes in the future:

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"We'll leave when/as soon as I've finished my work​"

"​We'll leave when/as soon as I finish my work"

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Unless means "if not". The verb after unless is always positive:

"You won't see any animals unless you stay quiet"

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As long as and provided are similar to only if :

"We'll be safe provided/as long as we stay here"

"You can go out tonight as long as you're back by 10"​

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We can use in case to talk about preparations for possible future situations:​

"Take you keys in case we're out when you get home"​

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