Using the conditional
Using the conditional form to talk about possibilities
If you give us more time, we’ll be able to do it.
If you place your order today, I’ll give you a 20% discount.
If you …
In negotiations, the first conditional form (if + present +future) is used when we are more certain.
The second conditional form (if + past + would infinitive) is more tentative:
If you agree to the new working conditions, we’ll sign the contract now.
There are several ways to express a condition without using an if-clause.
A simple conditional with Suppose / Supposing + a verb in the present or past tense:
Suppose they don’t accept, what will you do? (If they don’t accept…)
1st conditional form (if + present + future)
If + you + agree to the new working conditions, we’ll sign the contract now.
2nd conditional form (if + past +would infinitive)
If + you + accepted 5%, we’d be prepared to negotiate the second point.
Answer the question using 1st conditional form or 2nd conditional form. Start your sentences with:
If there are changes in the company, I will…
If there were changes in the company, I would…
Accepting an offer
That sounds good to us.
I think we can agree to that.
That would be great.
Rejecting an offer