Conditional sentences & Future forms — O/L English

What must I remember about Conditional sentences & Future forms?

• Three primary future forms serve distinct pragmatic functions: 'will + base verb' (spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises).
• 'Be going to + base verb' expresses pre-meditated intentions, planned choices, and predictions based on present physical evidence.
• Present Continuous with future time adverbial expresses confirmed personal arrangements and scheduled engagements ('We are holding a debate tomorrow').
• Conditional Type 1 expresses real future possibilities: 'If + Simple Present, will + base verb' ('If it rains, the tournament will be rescheduled').
• Future time clauses introduced by time conjunctions ('when', 'as soon as', 'until', 'before') take the Simple Present, not 'will'.

Test yourself (1 minute)

1. The future time clause trap

   Never write 'will' inside the 'when' or 'if' clause (e.g., 'When the guest will arrive, we will welcome him' is INVALID; write 'When the guest arrives, we will welcome him').

2. 'Will' vs 'Going to' evidence contrast

   Look for present sensory clues triggering 'going to' (e.g., 'Look at the dark clouds; it is going to rain').

3. Speech and dialogue writing (Paper 2 Test 13)

   Use contractions (I'll, we'll, won't) appropriately in spoken dialogue registers.

Practise Conditional sentences & Future forms questions today

Source: NIE G.C.E. (O/L) English Language Syllabus (Grade 10, Unit 13)

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Grade 10 · Term 3