Consequences: if + will and should / shouldn’t
Listen to the short post: a grown-up reads it twice. Then learn two ideas. First, the first conditional shows a result: if + present simple, will + short verb. If you study, you will pass. If it rains, we won’t play outside. We can use when instead of if when the thing is certain: When I finish, I will call you. Second, should and shouldn’t give advice: You should ask your teacher. You shouldn’t shout. Do not add s or to after should. The difference: with if we say what will happen; with should we say what is a good idea. If you wear a helmet, you will be safer (result). You should wear a helmet (advice).
| Idea | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Result (first conditional) | If + present simple, will + verb | If you study, you will pass. |
| Negative result | If + present simple, won’t + verb | If it rains, we won’t go out. |
| Advice | should / shouldn’t + verb | You should ask for help. |
Nour found a pencil case in the school yard. It had a name inside, and the name was Salma’s. Nour could keep it, or she could give it to her teacher. She thought about the choice. She thought, “If I keep it, Salma will be sad.” So she gave it to the teacher. The next day Salma thanked her. The benefit of her choice was a new friend.
If I take the bus, I will arrive early.
If you walk, you will be tired. You should take the bus.
But if I take the bus, I won’t get exercise.
Then you shouldn’t take it every day.
| Result with if | Advice with should |
|---|---|
| If you sleep early, you will feel fresh. | You should sleep early. |
| If you don’t eat, you will feel weak. | You shouldn’t miss breakfast. |
What if? Take turns. One person starts: If I forget my umbrella, … The next person finishes with will or won’t, then gives advice with should. Play five rounds.
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