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The first-type conditional sentence (reality)
If something is possible and real: se + present indicative → present, future or imperative.
First page · condition and consequence
If it is possible
: The conditional sentence has two parts: a condition, introduced by se, and a consequence. The first-type conditional, called «of reality», is used when the condition is possible and concrete, something that can really happen.
La struttura
In the condition, after se, the present indicative is used. In the consequence you can use the present (for something habitual or certain), the future (for a prediction) or the imperative (for an order or advice).
Se studi, impariSe piove, resterò a casaSe hai fame, mangia!
| Condizione (con se) | Conseguenza | Esempio |
|---|---|---|
| Se + ... | → ... | Esempio |
| se + presente | presente | Se studi, impari. |
| se + presente | futuro | Se studierai, imparerai. |
| se + presente | imperativo | Se hai fame, mangia qualcosa! |
Note: in the first-type conditional, after se you NEVER use the subjunctive, but the indicative (se ho tempo, not «se abbia tempo»). The subjunctive comes in only in types 2 and 3, which we will study later.
L'ordine delle parti
The two parts can be swapped: «Se piove, resto a casa» = «Resto a casa se piove». When the sentence begins with se, a comma is placed between the two parts.
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