Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by selecting the best alternative. If (you will approach) her sincerely, she will definitely listen to your problem.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of correct verb forms in conditional sentences in English. The original sentence is: “If (you will approach) her sincerely, she will definitely listen to your problem.” The bracketed part “you will approach” sounds awkward in an if-clause. In standard English grammar, the present simple is usually used after “if” in the main type of conditional sentence that talks about a real possibility in the future. Your task is to choose the best replacement for the bracketed part so that the sentence follows standard conditional structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The structure is: If + clause, then “she will definitely listen ...”.
The bracketed text is “you will approach”.
Options include present simple (“you approach”), present continuous (“you are approaching”), future continuous (“you will be approaching”) and “No improvement”.
The meaning intended is a real future condition: if you approach her sincerely in the future, then she will listen.

Concept / Approach:
In real conditionals referring to the future, English generally uses the present simple tense in the if-clause and “will” in the main clause, not “will” in both clauses. For example: “If you work hard, you will succeed.” We do not say “If you will work hard, you will succeed” in this structure. Therefore, the correct verb form after “If” should be “you approach” in the present simple. The continuous forms are not appropriate here because the sentence is about a general condition, not about an action happening at a particular ongoing moment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise this as a first conditional sentence: If + present simple, will + base verb. Step 2: The main clause “she will definitely listen to your problem” already uses “will”, indicating the future result. Step 3: The if-clause should therefore use the present simple: “If you approach her sincerely”. Step 4: Replace the bracketed “you will approach” with “you approach”. Step 5: Check the continuous forms: “If you are approaching her sincerely” sounds unnatural for the intended meaning of a general condition. Step 6: “If you will be approaching her sincerely” is even more awkward and incorrect for this type of conditional. Step 7: Hence, “you approach” is the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare with standard model sentences: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”, “If it rains, we will stay inside.” All of these show present simple in the if-clause and “will” in the result clause. Applying the same pattern here gives: “If you approach her sincerely, she will definitely listen to your problem.” This version sounds natural and grammatically correct. The original “If you will approach her sincerely” would normally be avoided in exam-standard English, except in special politeness structures that are not relevant here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
You are approaching: This continuous form suggests an action in progress at a particular moment, which does not match the general, timeless condition expressed in the sentence.
You will be approaching: This future continuous tense is awkward in if-clauses for conditions and does not fit the standard conditional structure taught for exams.
No improvement: Keeping “you will approach” leaves the sentence non-standard and less natural; examiners expect you to choose the classic present-simple pattern in the if-clause.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often think that if we are talking about the future, we must use “will” everywhere. However, English conditionals follow fixed patterns. In first conditional sentences, the if-clause normally uses present simple, and the main clause uses “will”. Another confusion arises from polite uses like “If you will excuse me”, where “will” expresses willingness, not future time. In exam questions focusing on structure, you should stick to the rule: “If + present simple, will + verb” for real future possibilities. This habit will help you quickly spot and correct conditional errors.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: you approach.