Real and imaginary situations with if
Learn to tell a possible plan from an imaginary situation.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
For a possible condition in the future, start from this basic structure: if + Present Simple, will + verb.
If I finish early, I will call you.
For an imaginary or unlikely present or future situation: if + Past Simple, would + verb.
If I had more free time, I would take another course. The past form here does not necessarily mean past time; it shows that the situation is imaginary.
See an example
If I save enough money this month, I will buy a bicycle.
The speaker sees this as a possible plan.
If I lived closer to university, I would walk to class.
The speaker does not live closer at the moment; they are imagining an alternative situation.
Now you try
Choose the correct option.
- If the library is / will be open tomorrow, I will go there.
- If I had a bigger room, I will / would buy a desk.
Write a possible plan for your own week using if.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
- is — in this future conditional structure, the if part is in the Present Simple.
- would — the result that fits an imaginary situation.
Example: If I finish my homework on Friday, I will visit my cousin on Saturday. Even though the time of the condition is in the future, we do not write if I will finish.
Active and passive: where is the focus?
Official sources for this topic
British Council · Grammar