Using ‘If’ Statements to Express Conditions in English

In English, when we present a condition, the equivalent is often the simple word “if”.

Examples:

If I pass the test, I will be happy.

If you don’t call John, he won’t come.

If we don’t have any friends to talk to, it is difficult to overcome our personal problems.

If I do this business without permission, my parents will be really angry.

If I get my lips pierced, all my friends will laugh at me.

You can also use the “if” pattern in the Past Tense:

If she left me, George would be very sad.

If he didn’t like the food, he would eat something different.

If he said something to his teacher about cheating, he would forgive him.