Present real conditionals are used to describe general truths or habitual situations. The simple present tense is used in both the if-clause and the result clause. Real conditionals can use when instead of if and can include modals, imperatives, or negatives in the result clause. The order of the if-clause and result clause can be reversed. Common examples are "If I'm hungry, I eat" or "I eat if I'm hungry."

1. COMMUNICATIVE GRAMMAR IV
Present Real Conditionals
César Ochoa Cueva, M.S.Ed.

2. Present Real Conditionals
Present Real Conditionals
11
Use present real conditionals for general truths. Use
the simple present in both clauses.
If Tom shops online, he uses a credit card.
if clause result clause
If they lose the game, they get 0 points.
if clause result clause

3. Present Real Conditionals
Present Real Conditionals
22
Use real conditionals for habits and things that
happen again and again.
If I’m cooking chicken, I use onions.
if clause
result clause
simple present or
present progressive
simple present

4. When
When
You can often use when instead of if.
If I’m hungry, I have some pizza.
When I’m hungry, I have some pizza.

5. Use with Modals
Use with Modals
You can use modals in the result clause.
If you don’t like the city, you can move to the country.
If you flight at night, you may sleep on the plane.

6. Use with Imperatives
Use with Imperatives
You can use imperatives in the result clause.
If you travel to Paris, visit the Eiffel Tower.
If you go to New York, don’t miss the Statue of Liberty.

7. Clause Order
Clause Order
A conditional sentence can begin with the if
clause or the result clause.
If I shop online, I save time.
if clause result clause
I save time if I shop online.
result clause if clause

8. Use with Negatives
Use with Negatives
You can make either or both clauses negative.
If I’m not working, I watch TV.
If you don’t understand fashion, you don’t belong to this field.

10. Bibliography
Bibliography
• Fuchs, M. & Bonner, M., Focus on Grammar 4
Pearson Education , White Plains, NY 10606,
2006
• http://www.myenglishteacher.net
• Photo credit: Microsoft Office