TalkingPencil

Use the right verb form after if for something that may happen

Questions in this subject are always in English
The text is what is being learned, so translating it would change the exercise. Explanations still follow your chosen language.

Follow this one with me, a step at a time. Try to guess each step first.
Worked example 1

Club notice If fewer than ten students ___ (sign up) by next Friday, the club will close.

Remember: This has not happened yet. Which tense goes after if, even when you mean the future?

Common mistakes

  • Used a past form, but this condition is about something that may still happen.
  • The verb does not agree with its subject in the if-clause.
  • Used will after if. Chinese marks the future in both halves, but in English the if-clause stays in the present.