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Use conditional sentences with the future to talk about what will happen under certain conditions. The if clause is one of the most common methods of doing this (states the condition); the main clause then states the probable result.
If Stephen Harper wins, he'll lower taxes. (It's a real possibility that Ibarguen will win.)
Be careful! Even though the if clause refers to the future, use the simple present tense.
If Stephen Harper wins. . . NOT If Stephen Harper will win. . .
You can also use be going to in the result clause to express the future result of a condition.
If Stephen Harper wins, he's going to lower taxes.
You can begin any conditional sentence with the if clause or the result clause. The meaning is the same.
If you vote for Stephen Harper, you won't regret it.
OR
You won't regret it if you vote for Stephen Harper.
Be sure to use a comma between the two clauses when the if clause comes first.
If and unless can both be used in conditional sentences, but their meanings are very different. Use unless to state a negative condition.
If Stephen Harper wins, the Conservatives will remain in control.
Unless Stephen Harper wins, the Liberal party will gain control. (meaning that the Liberals will gain control if Stephen Harper does not win.)
Often, but not always, unless has the same meaning as if…not.
Unless you vote, you won't have a say in the future of the country.
OR
If you don't vote, you won't have a say in the future of the country.
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