Overview of Real Conditionals
We have previously learned that real conditionals have two parts: the if clause and the main clause. These two clauses have a "cause-and-effect" relationship in real conditional sentences. The if clause introduces something that may or may not happen. The main clause tells of a possible result based on the if clause (what might or might not happen after the if clause).
If she gets a raise, she'll find a new apartment. ("If she gets a raise" is the if clause, which tells you something that may or may not happen. "She'll find a new apartment" tells you the result that will happen based on the if clause).
Expressing Certainty
"Factual conditionals" are used to express results that the speaker is certain of.
If you owe money on your credit card, the bank charges interest for it. (The bank will for sure charge your card with interest if you owe money on your credit card.)
When the main clause is in the simple present, real conditionals can express the kinds of routines and habits, facts, or general truths usually found in simple present sentences.
Routines and Habits
If I leave my office at 5:30pm, I get home at 6:15pm.
If I take a shower, I get to work later.
Facts or General Truths
If you add vinegar to baking soda, it bubbles.
If you pour salt on an ice cube, it starts to melt.
Facts or general truths can also be expressed with the will future.
Facts or General Truths
If you add vinegar to baking soda, it will bubble.
If you pour salt on an ice cube, it will start to melt.
Expressing Predictions and Promises
When the main clause is in future form, real conditionals can express predictions with varying degrees of certainty. In the first person (using "I"), they can also express promises.
Predictions (future form)
If it snows tomorrow, the final exams may be postponed.
If it snows tomorrow, the final exams will be postponed.
Promises (1st person)
If you finish your homework early, I will take you to the movies.
Expressing Advice, Warnings, and Instructions
Real conditionals are often used to give advice, warnings, and instructions. The main clause may use the imperative, a modal, or the future.
Advice
If your door creaks, put oil on the hinges.
If your door creaks, you should put oil on the hinges.
If you put oil on the hinges, your door will not creak. (future)
Warnings
If you don't study hard, you'll fail the test! (future)
Instructions
If the water gets cloudy, change the filter immediately. (imperative)
Exercise
Please open the exercise to continue.