si + Present, Future
Real Future Condition
The 'First Conditional' (Si + present, futur) is used for real-world possibilities. If condition A happens (present), then result B will happen (future).
How It Works
This pattern, often called the hypothèse réelle, is used to describe situations that are likely to occur. It consists of two parts:
1. The Condition (Si-clause): This is most commonly in the present tense (covering all verb groups). While the present is standard for future possibilities, the passé composé can also be used if the condition is a completed action (e.g., Si tu as fini...). French strictly forbids using the future tense immediately after 'si' in this context.
2. The Result: While usually in the futur simple (or futur proche), the result can also be in the imperative for instructions, or the present tense for immediate consequences.
Key Rules:
- Elision: The word 'si' only contracts to s' before il or ils (e.g., s'il pleut). It does not contract before elle or other vowels. In formal French, you may see si l'on instead of si on to avoid a vowel clash.
- Clause Order: You can swap the clauses. Si tu manges, tu seras content is the same as Tu seras content si tu manges. A comma is only needed if the 'si' clause comes first.
- Certainty: Use this pattern for plans, promises, or logical consequences grounded in reality.
Examples (6)
- Si nous partons maintenant, nous arriverons à l'heure.
If we leave now, we will arrive on time.
Word by Word: If we leave now, we will arrive at the hour.
A classic real condition: the present 'partons' leads to the future 'arriverons'.
- S'il pleut demain, la fête sera annulée.
If it rains tomorrow, the party will be canceled.
Word by Word: If it rains tomorrow, the party will be canceled.
Note the elision of 'si' to 's'' before 'il'.
- Si vous avez soif, buvez de l'eau.
If you are thirsty, drink some water.
Word by Word: If you have thirst, drink of the water.
The result can also be a command using the imperative mood.
- Si tu ne finis pas tes devoirs, tu ne sortiras pas.
If you don't finish your homework, you won't go out.
Word by Word: If you not finish not your homeworks, you not will go out not.
This pattern is often used for threats or warnings.
- Si elle a faim, elle va manger quelque chose.
If she is hungry, she is going to eat something.
Word by Word: If she has hunger, she goes to eat something.
In spoken French, the 'futur proche' (aller + infinitive) is often used as the result.
- Si je gagne, je t'achète un cadeau.
If I win, I'm buying you a gift.
Word by Word: If I win, I you buy a gift.
The present tense can be used in the result clause to express an immediate or certain consequence.
Common Mistakes
Using the future tense immediately after 'si'.
Si tu étudieras, tu réussiras.Si tu étudies, tu réussiras.In French, you cannot use the future tense in the 'if' clause of a conditional sentence. You must use the present tense.
Incorrect elision with 'elle' or 'on'.
S'elle vient / S'on part.Si elle vient / Si on part.'Si' only contracts to 's'' before 'il' or 'ils'. It remains 'si' before all other vowels.
Confusing 'si' (if) with 'quand' (when) tense rules.
Quand tu arrives, nous mangerons.Quand tu arriveras, nous mangerons.In standard French, 'quand' takes the future when the event is still ahead. The present is heard in casual speech, but the future is the careful choice. 'Si' is different: it takes the present.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the 'Real future condition' (Si + present, futur), you must first be able to conjugate verbs in both the present tense (for the condition) and the futur simple (for the result). Understanding both regular and irregular future forms is essential for constructing these sentences correctly.
Related Patterns
- si + Present, PresentGeneral Truth Condition
Used for general truths or habits rather than specific future events.
Level 2 - si + Imperfect, ConditionalHypothetical Present Condition
Used for hypothetical or unlikely situations (the 'Second Conditional').
Level 3 - quand + FutureFuture Tense in a Future Time Clause
Unlike 'si', 'quand' requires the future tense for future events.
Level 3 - Simple future regular formation
This tense is required for the result clause of the first conditional.
Level 2 - si (interrogation indirecte)Whether with Si
When 'si' means 'whether', the future tense IS allowed after it, which is a common point of confusion.
Level 3 - Dropping a vowel before another vowel
Explains the general rule of dropping vowels, though 'si' is a special case only eliding with 'il/ils'.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
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