The key idea
Choose will for expected results, might or may for possible events, and if to explain conditions.
What is it for?
Learn to describe future events, possible results and things that depend on certain conditions.
What you need to know
- Use will for future events you expect or feel sure about.
- Use might or may when something is possible but not certain.
- Use if with the present simple to describe a future condition.
- Use if to give warnings, make promises and suggest actions.
- Choose probably, perhaps or maybe to show how sure you are.
1. Choose how sure you are
Use will when you expect something to happen.
Use might or may when something is possible, but not certain.
- Will shows a stronger expectation.
- Might and may show that something is possible.
- Use the base verb after will, might and may.
Our new shop will open in June.
The speaker expects the opening to happen.
We might hire another worker.
This is possible, but not certain.
The delivery may arrive tomorrow.
The arrival is possible.
2. Connect a condition to a result
Use the first conditional for possible future situations.
Put if with the present simple, then use will for the result.
- Pattern: If + present simple, will + base verb.
- The condition explains what must happen first.
- The result explains what will happen next.
If the bus is late, I will call work.
The call depends on the bus being late.
If we save enough money, we will buy a computer.
Buying the computer depends on saving enough money.
3. Use if for warnings, promises and suggestions
You can use if to explain what happens after an action.
This helps readers understand the result of a choice.
- A warning explains a possible problem.
- A promise says what you will do.
- A suggestion offers a possible action.
If you leave food outside, insects will find it.
This warns about a possible result.
If you need help, I will come early.
This makes a promise.
If the room is cold, we could close the window.
This suggests a possible action.
4. Put the if-clause in the right place
You can start with the if-clause or put it second.
Use a comma when the if-clause comes first.
Do not use a comma when the if-clause comes second.
- If you practise, you will improve.
- You will improve if you practise.
- Do not put will directly after if in the first conditional.
If the shop closes early, we will return tomorrow.
The sentence starts with if, so use a comma.
We will return tomorrow if the shop closes early.
The if-clause comes second, so no comma is needed.
If you study tonight, you will finish the course soon.
Use the present simple after if.
5. Add words that show your level of certainty
Words like probably, perhaps and maybe show how sure you are.
Use them to make predictions more accurate.
- Probably often goes before the main verb.
- With will, probably usually comes after will.
- Perhaps and maybe can go at the beginning.
Our team will probably finish the work today.
Probably shows that the result is likely.
Perhaps we will find a cheaper apartment.
Perhaps introduces a possible future result.
Maybe the train will arrive earlier.
Maybe shows that the arrival is uncertain.
How to do it, step by step
- Decide what future event or situation you want to describe.
- Choose will for an expected result or might or may for a possibility.
- Add an if-clause when the result depends on something.
- Check the verb forms and comma position.
- Add a word like probably or perhaps when it helps explain your certainty.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + will + base verb | My sister will start a new job. | The shop will open next week. |
| Subject + might + base verb | We might visit the museum. | He might need another chair. |
| Subject + may + base verb | The price may increase next month. | Our neighbours may move soon. |
| If + present simple, subject + will + base verb | If it rains, we will take a taxi. | If I finish early, I will cook dinner. |
| Subject + will + base verb + if + present simple | We will eat outside if the weather improves. | I will call you if I need help. |
| If + present simple, subject + might + base verb | If the bus is full, we might walk. | If she has time, she might join us. |
| Subject + will probably + base verb | They will probably arrive before lunch. | I will probably finish the report tonight. |
| Perhaps / Maybe + subject + will + base verb | Perhaps we will find a better price. | Maybe the manager will agree. |
UK / US: Will, might, may and if are used in both British and American English. There is no important difference in these examples.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.
Model text
My Plans for the Next Five Years
Current situation
In five years, I will probably live in a different apartment. I hope to find a place near my workplace, because my daily journey takes too much time. I will also save money for a small car.
The writer describes expected changes and a personal goal.
Possible changes
I might change jobs if I find a position with better hours. My friend Elena may move to another city, so we will need to plan our visits carefully. Perhaps we will travel together during our summer holiday.
Might, may and perhaps show that these events are not certain.
Conditions and results
If I get a higher salary, I will save more each month. If I cannot afford a car, I will continue using the bus. I will probably take an evening course if my new job leaves me enough free time.
Each if-clause explains a condition for a future result.
Final prediction
What I want most is a more balanced routine. I know some plans may change, but I will keep working towards my goals.
The ending gives a clear goal while accepting possible changes.
Common mistakes
✗ If it will rain, we will stay home.
✓ If it rains, we will stay home.
Use the present simple after if for a possible future event.
✗ She might goes to the meeting.
✓ She might go to the meeting.
Use the base verb after might.
✗ If I finish early I will call you.
✓ If I finish early, I will call you.
Put a comma after an if-clause at the beginning.
✗ We will probably to arrive late.
✓ We will probably arrive late.
Use the base verb without to after will.
✗ If he studies, he might passes.
✓ If he studies, he might pass.
Use the base verb after might.
✗ Maybe will the shop close early.
✓ Maybe the shop will close early.
Put the subject before will in a normal statement.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Write down two things you expect to happen in the future.
- Add two things that might or may happen.
- Choose two events that depend on certain conditions.
- Use probably, perhaps or maybe where they fit naturally.
Check
- Did I choose will, might or may carefully?
- Did I use the present simple after if?
- Did I use the base verb after will, might and may?
- Did I check commas after opening if-clauses?
- Did I make each condition and result clear?
Practice
Choose the correct future form
Choose the best answer for each sentence.
1.The weather report says the storm is certain. It ___ tonight.
Use will with the base verb for an expected event.
2.I am not sure about the weekend. We ___ visit my aunt.
Might shows that a visit is possible but uncertain.
3.___ you leave now, you will catch the bus.
Use if to introduce the condition.
4.The shop has confirmed the delivery. They ___ the table tomorrow.
Will describes the expected delivery.
5.The manager has not decided yet. She ___ offer me the job.
Might expresses an uncertain possibility.
6.If we save enough money, we ___ a new computer.
Use will plus the base verb for the future result.
Complete the sentences
Write the correct word or verb form in each gap.
1.If the bus is late, I (call) my manager.
Use will plus the base verb for the future result.
2.We visit the new library, but we have not decided yet.
Might or may shows that the visit is possible.
3.If she (finish) work early, she will cook dinner.
Use the present simple after if.
4.The parcel arrive tomorrow, but there is no guarantee.
Might or may expresses an uncertain arrival.
5.If you (leave) now, you will catch the train.
Use the present simple after if.
6.I think our team win the final.
Will expresses the writer's expectation.
7.If the price (increase), we will choose another shop.
Use the present simple for the condition.
8.Perhaps he join us after lunch.
Will, might and may can describe different levels of future certainty.
Build the if-sentences
Put the words in the correct order.
1.Put the words in order:
homewerainsstayitwillif
Put the present simple condition before the future result.
2.Put the words in order:
needyouIcallhelpIifwill
The if-clause can come after the main clause.
3.Put the words in order:
finishessheifcookshedinnerearlywill
Use finishes after if and will cook for the result.
4.Put the words in order:
savewewetravelifenoughmoneywill
The condition uses the present simple, and the result uses will.
5.Put the words in order:
weifbustheismightfullwalk
Use might plus the base verb for a possible result.
Correct one small mistake
Change only the incorrect word or word form.
1.If it will rain, we will take a taxi.
Use the present simple after if in the first conditional.
2.If he arrives early, he will calls me.
Use the base verb after will.
3.If she will need help, I will come.
Use needs, not will need, after if.
4.If we finish early, we will went home.
Use the base form go after will.
5.If the shop closes, we will buys food elsewhere.
Use the base verb buy after will.
6.If the bus is full, we might walks home.
Use the base verb after might.
Now write
Your task
Write 8-10 sentences about a fictional person's life in five years. Use these details: Alex is 30, works in a shop, lives in a rented flat, and saves money each month. Alex hopes to study design and buy a small car. Write what will probably happen, what might happen, and what depends on certain conditions. Include at least two if-sentences. For example, explain what Alex will do if the course costs too much. You can change the details, but use made-up information.
Word bank
probablyperhapsmaybein five yearssave moneychange jobsstudy designbuy a carmove houseget a better salaryif I canmight happenwill probablyas a result
Sentence starters
- In five years, Alex will probably...
- Alex might...
- Perhaps Alex will...
- If Alex saves enough money,...
- If the course costs too much,...
- Alex will probably change plans if...