Why we are use "are thinking" not will think

[rully]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #120 "Conditional Tenses", question 5

If you ......... of applying for that job, my advice is: forget it.

(a) are thinking
(b) will think
(c) will be thinking
(d) would think

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #120 "Conditional Tenses", answer 5

If you are thinking of applying for that job, my advice is: forget it.

Correct answer: (a) are thinking

Your answer was: incorrect
If you will think of applying for that job, my advice is: forget it.
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Why we are use "are thinking" not will think.
Please explain more the different..
Oh ya,,, by the way,,, It's good web site for learning english...
Thanks..

rully

[Alan]

Hi rully,

Glad you like the site. In a conditional sentence you don't usually use the future form after if. The standard form of the so called first conditional is as follows:

If you apply (Present Tense) for that job, you will be (Future form) unsuccessful.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Everything in the Garden is lovely