Premier Conditionnel: Si tu es en train de faire... (Présent Continu)
If + Present Continuous pour connecter ce qui se passe maintenant avec les conséquences ou les plans futurs.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'If + Present Continuous' to talk about results of actions happening right now or future plans.
- Use for current actions: 'If you're looking for your keys, they're here.'
- Use for future plans: 'If you're coming tonight, I'll buy extra pizza.'
- The result clause usually uses 'will' or a modal like 'can' or 'should'.
Overview
If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb. C'est la structure que l'on utilise pour parler de conséquences réelles et probables : If it rains, I will take an umbrella.If you're doing...). Cette structure est indispensable dès que la condition n'est pas un simple fait statique, mais une action qui est déjà en train de se dérouler au moment où l'on parle, ou une situation temporaire, ou encore un projet déjà planifié. En utilisant le Present Continuous dans la proposition en if, tu signales à ton interlocuteur que la condition est dynamique.- 1L'action en cours au moment de parole : La condition est quelque chose que tu observes ou que tu imagines se dérouler
now. Par exemple :If it's still raining when you leave, you'll need an umbrella. Ici, on ne parle pas de la pluie en général, mais de l'averse précise qui est en train de tomber. L'aspect continu souligne que l'action n'est pas terminée.
- 1L'événement futur déjà organisé (Arrangement) : C'est un point crucial pour nous, francophones. En anglais, le
Present Continuousest le temps par excellence pour parler du futur proche quand tout est déjà organisé (ton billet est acheté, le rendez-vous est dans l'agenda). Quand on place cela dans une structure enif, on conditionne le résultat à un plan déjà établi. Exemple :If we're meeting at 7 PM, I'll arrive a bit early. Le fait de se voir à 19h n'est pas une simple possibilité, c'est un plan.
If you're working tonight, I won't call you.-ing rend la phrase plus vivante et plus précise sur la durée de l'action.If-clause) | Clause de résultat (Main clause) |If + Sujet + am/is/are + Verbe-ing | Sujet + will / won't + Base Verbale |If you're looking for the keys... | ...you will find them on the table. |will. Selon ce que tu veux exprimer (un conseil, une possibilité, un ordre), tu peux varier le modal dans la proposition principale :- Pour un conseil :
If you're feeling tired, you should take a break. - Pour une possibilité :
If she's coming by train, she might be late. - Pour une capacité :
If they're staying here, we can go to the cinema. - Pour un ordre (impératif) :
If you're driving, don't use your phone!
- La ponctuation : Si tu commences par la partie avec
if, n'oublie pas la virgule avant la suite. Si tu inverses l'ordre, la virgule disparaît :I'll help you if you're struggling(pas de virgule) vsIf you're struggling, I'll help you(virgule). - Les contractions : À l'oral et dans un contexte semi-formel (e-mails entre collègues, WhatsApp), on utilise systématiquement les contractions :
you're,he's,it's,won't. C'est ce qui donne ce ton naturel dont on parlait. - La forme négative : Elle se construit simplement en ajoutant
notaprès l'auxiliairebe.If you're not using your computer, can I borrow it?.
If you're looking for the manager, he's in a meeting.(Tu vois la personne chercher partout dans le bureau).If you're getting a headache, you should drink some water.(Tu remarques que la personne se masse les tempes).
If we're flying tomorrow morning, we must go to bed early.(Le vol est réservé, c'est un fait établi).If you're visiting Paris next week, you'll love the new exhibition at the Louvre.(La visite est prévue).
Present Continuous sert aussi à décrire des choses qui ne durent pas éternellement. Dans un conditionnel, cela permet de souligner le caractère passager de la condition.If she's staying with her parents for a while, she'll save a lot of money.(Elle ne va pas y rester pour toujours, c'est temporaire).If the company is expanding this year, they will certainly hire more juniors.(L'expansion est la phase actuelle).
If you're trying to finish that report, I can help you with the data.If you're planning the Christmas party, let me know if you need a hand.
-ing. Si c'est un fait sec, une habitude ou une vérité générale, reste sur le présent simple.will dans la clause en if- ❌
If you will be working late, I'll wait for you. - ✅
If you're working late, I'll wait for you.
if contient déjà l'idée de futurité dans ce contexte. Ajouter will alourdit la phrase et est grammaticalement incorrect. La règle d'or : jamais de will juste après if pour exprimer une condition future.be-ing qu'on oublie le am/is/are.- ❌
If you working now, call me later. - ✅
If you're working now, call me later.
-ing ne peut jamais fonctionner seul comme verbe principal d'une proposition. Il a besoin de son auxiliaire be pour exister.know, want, believe, understand), ne s'utilisent quasiment jamais à la forme -ing, même si l'action semble durer.- ❌
If you're wanting some coffee, I'll make some. - ✅
If you want some coffee, I'll make some.
Present Simple et le Present Continuous dans une structure conditionnelle. Le choix du temps change subtilement le message que tu envoies.If + Present Simple | Condition générale, fait habituel, vérité scientifique ou événement ponctuel. | If it rains, the grass gets wet. (Vérité générale) |If + Present Continuous | Action en cours au moment présent, situation temporaire ou plan déjà organisé. | If it's raining, we'll stay inside. (Il pleut là, maintenant) |If + Present Simple | Action courte ou unique. | If you see Paul, tell him I said hi. (L'action de voir Paul est brève) |If + Present Continuous | Action qui dure dans le temps. | If you're seeing Paul tonight, can you give him this? (On parle d'un rendez-vous prévu) |- 1
If you study, you will pass.(C'est une règle générale : le travail mène au succès). - 2
If you're studying, I won't disturb you.(Je vois que tu es penché sur tes livres en ce moment même, donc je te laisse tranquille).
going to à la place du Present Continuous dans le if ?If you're going to buy a new car, you should check the electric models. La nuance est très proche : going to insiste un peu plus sur l'intention, tandis que le Present Continuous insiste sur l'organisation.I am vs I'm) et le choix du vocabulaire autour.Present Simple tout le temps ?Present Continuous montre que tu maîtrises les nuances de la langue et que tu es capable de décrire une situation avec précision.Past Simple ou au Present Perfect (ex: If you have finished your work, you can go). La structure en -ing est strictement réservée à ce qui est en cours ou prévu.Formation of the 'If' Clause
| Subject | Auxiliary (Be) | Verb (-ing) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
am ('m)
|
working
|
If I'm working...
|
|
You
|
are ('re)
|
working
|
If you're working...
|
|
He/She/It
|
is ('s)
|
working
|
If she's working...
|
|
We
|
are ('re)
|
working
|
If we're working...
|
|
They
|
are ('re)
|
working
|
If they're working...
|
|
I (Neg)
|
am not
|
working
|
If I'm not working...
|
|
You (Neg)
|
aren't
|
working
|
If you aren't working...
|
|
He (Neg)
|
isn't
|
working
|
If he isn't working...
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
If you are
|
If you're
|
Spoken/Informal
|
|
If he is
|
If he's
|
Spoken/Informal
|
|
If they are
|
If they're
|
Spoken/Informal
|
|
If it is
|
If it's
|
Spoken/Informal
|
Meanings
A variation of the first conditional where the 'if' clause (condition) uses the present continuous to emphasize that the action is currently in progress or is a settled future arrangement.
Ongoing Actions
Refers to something the listener is doing at the exact moment of speaking.
“If you're listening to me, please look up.”
“If you're feeling sick, you should go home.”
Future Arrangements
Refers to a plan or arrangement that has already been made for the future.
“If you're staying at that hotel, I'll pick you up at 8.”
“If you're flying tomorrow, you need to check in now.”
Temporary Situations
Refers to a temporary state or habit occurring around the present time.
“If you're living in London this month, we should meet.”
“If you're using my car while yours is fixed, please be careful.”
Reference Table
| Type | Clause 'If' (Condition) | Clause Principale (Résultat) | Exemple |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Action en cours
|
If + S + be + V-ing
|
S + will + V
|
If it's raining, we'll stay inside.
|
|
Arrangement futur
|
If + S + be + V-ing
|
S + will + V
|
If you're meeting him, tell him I said hi.
|
|
Conseil/Ordre
|
If + S + be + V-ing
|
Impératif
|
If you're driving, be careful.
|
|
Résultat moins certain
|
If + S + be + V-ing
|
S + may/might/can + V
|
If she's studying, she might not answer.
|
|
Situation temporaire
|
If + S + be + V-ing
|
S + will + V
|
If they're staying at a hotel, they'll have breakfast there.
|
|
Condition négative
|
If + S + isn't + V-ing
|
S + will + V
|
If he isn't coming, I'll go alone.
|
Spectre de formalité
If you are departing now, I shall accompany you. (Leaving a location)
If you're leaving now, I'll come with you. (Leaving a location)
If you're heading out, I'm coming too. (Leaving a location)
If you're bouncing, I'm down. (Leaving a location)
Conditionnel 1 : Present Continuous
Clause 'If' (Condition)
- Present Continuous am/is/are + verb-ing
- Action en cours happening now
- Arrangement futur set plan
Clause Principale (Résultat)
- Future Simple will/won't + base verb
- Modaux can/may/might/should + base verb
- Impératif command/instruction
Utilisations
- Conséquences of current actions
- Implications of current plans
- Conseil/Avertissement based on ongoing situation
Present Simple vs. Present Continuous dans les clauses 'If'
Dois-je utiliser 'If you're doing...' ?
La condition concerne-t-elle une action qui se passe MAINTENANT ou un arrangement futur ferme ?
La condition est-elle une vérité générale, une habitude ou un événement régulier ?
Situations pour 'If you're doing...'
Activités en cours
- • Travailler sur un projet
- • Conduire
- • Étudier pour des examens
- • Regarder un film
Arrangements futurs
- • Rencontrer des amis
- • Voyager
- • Présenter à un groupe
- • Dîner
Situations temporaires
- • Vivre à l'étranger
- • Séjourner à l'hôtel
- • Se sentir mal
- • Rencontrer des difficultés
Exemples par niveau
If you are eating, I will wait.
If you are eating, I will wait.
If it is raining, we will stay here.
If it is raining, we will stay here.
If you are sleeping, I will be quiet.
If you are sleeping, I will be quiet.
If they are playing, they will be happy.
If they are playing, they will be happy.
If you're going to the shop, can you buy bread?
If you're going to the shop, can you buy bread?
If he's not working, he'll help us.
If he's not working, he'll help us.
If we're leaving at five, I need to get ready.
If we're leaving at five, I need to get ready.
If you're feeling better, we can go for a walk.
If you're feeling better, we can go for a walk.
If you're considering a new job, you should update your CV.
If you're considering a new job, you should update your CV.
If they're still living in Paris, we'll visit them.
If they're still living in Paris, we'll visit them.
If you're not using that computer, may I borrow it?
If you're not using that computer, may I borrow it?
If you're having trouble with the app, try restarting it.
If you're having trouble with the app, try restarting it.
If you're planning on attending the gala, you'll need to RSVP by Friday.
If you're planning on attending the gala, you'll need to RSVP by Friday.
If the company is expanding into Asia, they'll need more bilingual staff.
If the company is expanding into Asia, they'll need more bilingual staff.
If you're finding the course difficult, you should speak to the tutor.
If you're finding the course difficult, you should speak to the tutor.
If she's still recovering from the surgery, she won't be able to travel.
If she's still recovering from the surgery, she won't be able to travel.
If you're operating under the assumption that he'll resign, you're mistaken.
If you're operating under the assumption that he'll resign, you're mistaken.
If the government is truly committed to reform, they will pass this bill.
If the government is truly committed to reform, they will pass this bill.
If you're implying that my methods are outdated, I'd like to see your evidence.
If you're implying that my methods are outdated, I'd like to see your evidence.
If the market is fluctuating this wildly, investors will remain cautious.
If the market is fluctuating this wildly, investors will remain cautious.
If the protagonist is constantly grappling with his conscience, the reader will naturally empathize.
If the protagonist is constantly grappling with his conscience, the reader will naturally empathize.
If we're to believe that the data is untainted, we must examine the collection process.
If we're to believe that the data is untainted, we must examine the collection process.
If the city is perpetually reinventing itself, it will never lose its charm.
If the city is perpetually reinventing itself, it will never lose its charm.
If you're suggesting a paradigm shift, you'll need more than just anecdotal evidence.
If you're suggesting a paradigm shift, you'll need more than just anecdotal evidence.
Facile à confondre
Learners often use the simple form for everything. They don't realize the continuous adds a 'right now' or 'planned' feeling.
Learners try to use 'will be -ing' after 'if'.
Using verbs like 'know', 'like', or 'want' in the -ing form.
Erreurs courantes
If you will be eating, I wait.
If you're eating, I'll wait.
If you eating, I will wait.
If you're eating, I'll wait.
If it rains now, I will take a taxi.
If it's raining now, I'll take a taxi.
If you are go, I will go.
If you're going, I'll go.
If you're go to the party, tell me.
If you're going to the party, tell me.
If you are coming, I come too.
If you're coming, I'll come too.
If he is work, don't call him.
If he's working, don't call him.
If you're wanting some help, ask me.
If you want some help, ask me.
If you're having a car, you can drive.
If you have a car, you can drive.
If you'll be staying here, I'll bring lunch.
If you're staying here, I'll bring lunch.
If you're knowing the answer, say it.
If you know the answer, say it.
Structures de phrases
If you're ___ing, I'll ___.
If it's ___ing, we should ___.
If they're ___ing, they won't ___.
If you're not ___ing, can you ___?
Real World Usage
If you're still coming, let me know!
If you're looking for someone with leadership skills, I have five years of experience.
If you're seeing an error message, please take a screenshot.
If you're still serving breakfast, I'll have the pancakes.
If you're carrying any liquids, please place them in the bin.
If you're reading this, have an amazing day!
Repère la clause en '-ing'
if contient un verbe qui finit en -ing et utilise am/is/are, bingo ! C'est sûrement cette structure. Ça indique une action en cours ou un plan précis. "If he's studying for his exams, he might not join us."Pas de 'Will' dans la clause 'If' !
will juste après if, même avec le Present Continuous. C'est un piège ! "If you're driving, please text me when you arrive safely."Vérifie l'immédiateté
if. "If they're planning a trip to Europe, they'll need to save money."Pour un anglais plus naturel
Attention aux modaux
will dans la clause de résultat. Can, may, might ou should apportent des nuances comme la possibilité, la permission ou la recommandation, ce qui ajoute de la souplesse à tes phrases. "If she's studying, she might not answer."Smart Tips
Always use the '-ing' form in your 'if' clause to sound more natural.
Use 'If you're [verb]ing' to refer to plans that are already decided.
Use the continuous to acknowledge the other person's activity.
Switch back to the Present Simple for verbs like 'want', 'need', 'like', and 'know'.
Prononciation
Contraction Stress
In 'If you're...', the 're' is very short and almost disappears. The stress is on 'If' and the main verb.
Rising Intonation
The 'if' clause usually has a rising intonation at the end to show the sentence isn't finished.
Conditional Rise-Fall
If you're ↗️listening, I'll ↘️explain.
Conveys a condition and its subsequent result.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Remember: 'If you're DOING, I'll be VIEWING.' (If the action is in progress, the result is what follows).
Association visuelle
Imagine a person halfway through a bridge. If they are *currently walking* (continuous), they will *reach the other side* (will).
Rhyme
If you're doing it right now, I will show you how.
Story
A chef sees an apprentice chopping onions. He says, 'If you're chopping those now, you'll be crying in a minute.' The action is happening, and the result is inevitable.
Word Web
Défi
Look around the room. Find someone doing something. Write one sentence starting with 'If you're [action]...'
Notes culturelles
Often used with 'just' to sound more polite and less intrusive. 'If you're just passing by, do drop in.'
Frequently used in customer service to offer immediate help based on observed behavior.
Commonly used in casual invitations for future plans.
Conditionals in English evolved from Old English 'gif' (if). The use of the continuous aspect (be + -ing) developed later in Middle English and became standardized in the 18th century.
Amorces de conversation
If you're planning a vacation this year, where will you go?
If you're looking for a new hobby, what will you try?
If you're feeling tired today, will you go to bed early?
If you're considering moving to another city, which one will you choose?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
If she ___ for her exam right now, please don't disturb her.
Choisis la phrase correcte :
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesIf you ________ (look) for the manager, he is in his office.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
If you're not use the car, can I have the keys?
coming / if / you're / tonight / call / me
Si estás escuchando, entenderás.
1. If you're driving... / 2. If you're not eating... / 3. If you're cold...
A: I'm thinking about buying a new phone. B: If you ________ a new phone, wait for the sale next week.
You can use 'will' in the 'if' clause when using the present continuous.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIf he ___ (travel) around Asia for a month, he'll definitely learn a lot.
If you will be waiting for the bus, you might get cold.
Quelle phrase est correcte ?
If you're chillin' at home, wanna grab some food?
Arrange ces mots en une phrase :
Associe les débuts de conditionnels avec leurs fins :
If we ___ (head) to the beach later, we'll need to pack sunscreen.
If you watching TV, you'll miss the important announcement.
Quelle phrase est correcte ?
If you are currently feeling hunger, we could order some snacks.
Arrange ces mots en une phrase :
Associe les clauses :
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes! You can say `If you're coming, I'm going to be so happy.` It works just like `will`.
No, it's actually very common in casual speech because it reacts to what is happening *now*.
If it's a general habit, use the Present Simple: `If you smoke, you get sick.` If it's a temporary habit, use Continuous: `If you're smoking a lot these days, you should stop.`
Yes. `If I'm being too loud, please tell me.` This is very common when talking about your own behavior.
In English, the 'if' clause is a condition, and conditions are expressed with present tenses, even if they refer to the future.
Yes. `Unless you're joking, I'm very angry.` It follows the same rules as 'if'.
Generally, no. We don't say `If you're knowing the answer`. We say `If you know the answer`.
No, this is only for present or future. For the past, you would need the Third Conditional.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si estás + gerundio
English is much stricter about using the continuous for 'right now' actions.
Si tu es en train de...
French usually just uses the simple present 'Si tu travailles'.
Wenn du gerade ... machst
German has no '-ing' equivalent; the tense remains simple.
-te iru nara
Japanese word order is reversed (Condition then 'if').
Idha kuntu...
Arabic doesn't have a direct 'be + ing' equivalent in the same way.
Rúguǒ nǐ zhèngzài...
No 'be' verb or '-ing' suffix is used.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Présent Continu: Actions en cours maintenant
### Vue d'ensemble Le temps verbal appelé **Present Continuous** (ou **Present Progressive**) est l'un des temps les pl...
Premier Conditionnel : Possibilités Futures Réelles
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