si + Present + Future/Present

Real Si Clauses (Present)

Level 3

Use si (if) + present indicative to state real or likely conditions. The result clause can use the present tense, future tense, near future, or an imperative command.

How It Works

Real conditional sentences describe realistic scenarios, habits, or likely outcomes based on a condition.

1. Sentence Structure
A conditional sentence consists of two clauses:

  • If-clause (condition): Introduced by si (if) + verb in the present indicative.
  • Main clause (result): States the consequence using the present indicative, simple future, ir + a + infinitive, or an imperative command.

2. Result Clause Options
Depending on your meaning, the result clause can take several forms:

  • Future Outcome: Si estudias, aprobarás el examen. (If you study, you will pass the exam.)
  • Near Future Outcome: Si estudias, vas a aprobar el examen. (If you study, you are going to pass the exam.)
  • Habit or General Truth: Si tengo tiempo, siempre hago ejercicio. (If I have time, I always exercise.)
  • Direct Command / Request: Si tienes frío, ponte un abrigo. (If you are cold, put on a coat.)

3. Accent Marks and Word Order
Be careful with accent marks: si (without an accent) means 'if', while sí (with an accent) means 'yes'. You can also reverse the clause order with no change in meaning: Aprobarás el examen si estudias.

Examples (4)

  1. Si hace buen tiempo mañana, iremos a la playa.

    If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go to the beach.

    Word by Word: If it-makes good weather tomorrow, we-will-go to the beach.

    The condition clause 'si hace' uses the present indicative, while the result clause 'iremos' uses the future tense.

  2. Si tienes alguna pregunta, llámame por favor.

    If you have any questions, call me please.

    Word by Word: If you-have any question, call-me please.

    The condition uses the present indicative ('tienes'), while the result is an imperative command ('llámame').

  3. Si estudias mucho, vas a sacar buenas notas.

    If you study hard, you are going to get good grades.

    Word by Word: If you-study much, you-are going to get good grades.

    The result clause uses the near future structure 'ir + a + infinitive' (vas a sacar).

  4. Si llueve, siempre nos quedamos en casa.

    If it rains, we always stay home.

    Word by Word: If it-rains, always ourselves stay in house.

    Both clauses use the present indicative to describe a general habit or routine outcome.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the present subjunctive or future tense directly after 'si'.

    Si estudies, aprobarás el examen.
    Si estudias, aprobarás el examen.

    In real conditional sentences, the clause immediately following 'si' must use the present indicative, not the present subjunctive or simple future.

  • Accidentally writing 'sí' with an accent mark when introducing a condition.

    Sí tienes tiempo, ven a mi casa.
    Si tienes tiempo, ven a mi casa.

    'Si' without an accent means 'if', whereas 'sí' with an accent means 'yes'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

si + Present + Future/PresentLevel 3Real Si Clauses (Present)

Learn This First

To form real conditional sentences (Type 1), you need to be comfortable with the present indicative for the condition and the future tense (or present) for the result. You also need to understand how conjunctions connect two clauses.

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