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Future Real Conditionals The basic formula for a future real conditional has the simple present or present continuous tense in the dependent clause and the simple future or future continuous in the independent clause as can be seen in the diagram below. 
Future real conditionals tend to be commonly used for one main purpose: to make predictions. However, this can be further sub-divided into three different kinds of predictions:
If Tom eats too many burgers, he will get fat. ...while the following examples express an offer and then a deal respectively... If Tom is hungry, Jessica will buy a burger for him. - [offer] If Tom buys two burgers, he will get a third one for free. - [deal] The difference between an offer and a deal lies in the fact that with a deal, Tom must give something in order to receive something while in an offer he doesn't need to give or do anything to receive Jessica's help. The third type of prediction is used to make a warning or a threat, and can been seen in the following examples... If Tom eats too many burgers, he will get sick. - [warning - We don't want Tom to get sick.] Jessica:"If you eat my burger, I'll break up with you." - [threat- She's not trying to help Tom.] The difference between a warning and a threat is a subtle one, and basically lies in the intention of the speaker/writer. If their intention is to help or protect Tom, then it's a warning while if they intend harm to Tom, it's a threat. Either way, a future real conditional expresses it. *Special Note: Just as with the present real, the modal "can" doesn't follow the normal future real formula, and can be used to express a possibility/prediction. If Tom can eat five burgers, he will eat five burgers. Practice Exercise: A simple, yet effective practice exercise for present and future real conditionals is to ask students to write sentences of their own in which they use a present or future real conditional for each of their purposes. present real: habit, common knowledge, possibility future real: general prediction, offer, deal, warning, threat] You can also determine the number of sentences you want them to write for each purpose, and whether or not you wish them to work alone or with a partner. Up Next... Unreal Conditionals |
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