Question

If I have the money, I .............................. a new dress for you

• A. will buy
• B. would buy
• C. would have bought
• D. will have bought

Answer 1

Answer:

A. will buy

Understanding Conditional Sentences (Type 1)

• This sentence structure is an example of a Type 1 Conditional sentence, also known as the First Conditional.
• Type 1 Conditionals are used to talk about real or very probable situations in the present or future.
• The structure for Type 1 Conditionals is:

  If + Simple Present Tense, Subject + will + Base Form of the Verb

• In the given sentence, 'If I have the money' is the if-clause (condition) which uses the Simple Present Tense ('have').
• The main clause (result) therefore requires 'will + base form of the verb' (e.g., 'will buy').
• This expresses a probable future outcome: if the condition (having money) is met, the action (buying a dress) will happen.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams:

• Other Conditional Types: It's crucial to distinguish Type 1 from other conditional types:
  • Type 0 (Zero Conditional): If + Simple Present, Simple Present (for general truths/scientific facts, e.g., 'If you heat ice, it melts').
  • Type 2 (Second Conditional): If + Simple Past, Subject + would + Base Form (for unreal/hypothetical situations in the present/future, e.g., 'If I had money, I would buy a dress').
  • Type 3 (Third Conditional): If + Past Perfect, Subject + would have + Past Participle (for unreal situations in the past, e.g., 'If I had had money, I would have bought a dress').
• Common Mistakes: Avoid using 'will' in the 'if-clause' of a Type 1 conditional (e.g., 'If I will have money' is incorrect).
• Variations: Other modal verbs like 'can', 'may', 'might', 'must', or imperative forms can sometimes replace 'will' in the main clause, depending on the nuance (e.g., 'If you study hard, you can pass').
• Inversion: While less common for Type 1, be aware that conditional sentences can sometimes be inverted in formal contexts (e.g., 'Should you need help, call me').