El condicional tipo 1 describe situaciones en el futuro.

(The type 1 conditional describes situations in the future.)

What are type 1 “si” sentences?

  • We use Si + present + simple future to talk about real or possible future situations.
  • In English this is like: If + present, will + verb.

Structure:

  • Si + verb in present indicative = the condition ("if" part)
  • Future simple = the result / consequence ("will" part)
Spanish English meaning Formula
Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás pronto. If you sign the contract, you will move soon. Si + present / future
Si reformas la cocina, el piso será más caro. If you renovate the kitchen, the flat will be more expensive. Si + present / future

When do I use this structure?

  • To talk about realistic plans and decisions for the future.
  • To give advice or warnings with a future result.
  • To describe cause and effect in the future.

Typical situations (housing context):

  • Advice: Si comparas varios pisos, elegirás mejor.
  • Warning: Si no lees el contrato, tendrás problemas.
  • Plan: Si encontramos un piso barato, nos mudaremos.

Word order: where do I put “si”?

You can put the si‑clause first or second. The meaning is the same.

Order Example Punctuation
Si‑clause first Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás pronto. Comma after the si‑clause
Result first Te mudarás pronto si firmas el contrato. No comma
  • Spanish is flexible with order, but the verb forms do not change.
  • Only the comma changes, depending on which part goes first.

Key rule: present after “si”, future in the result

Many learners want to put the future after si. In Spanish for type 1 conditionals, this is wrong.

  • ✔️ Si + present (condition)
  • ✔️ Future simple (result)
Correct Incorrect Comment
Si buscas piso, encontrarás algo. Si buscarás piso, encontrarás algo. After si → present, not future.
Si reformas la casa, será más cómoda. Si reformarás la casa, será más cómoda. Use future only in the result part.

Form of the future simple (quick reminder)

You do not remove the ending. You add the ending to the infinitive.

Infinitive Person Future form
mudarse te mudarás
reformar reformarás
buscar buscarás
ser él / ella / usted será
mostrar ellos / ellas / ustedes mostrarán

Pattern: infinitive + -é, -ás, -á, -emos, -éis, -án.

How is this different from other “if” sentences?

You may see other patterns with si. Do not mix them.

  1. Type 1 (this lesson): real future
    • Si + present indicative + future simple.
    • Example: Si consultas la inmobiliaria, te explicarán los gastos.
    • Meaning: The condition can really happen. You think it is quite possible.
  2. General facts (also use present + present)
    • Structure: Si + present + present.
    • Example: Si llueve, la calle se moja. (general truth)
    • Not focused on one specific future event.
  3. Unreal / hypothetical (other level)
    • Structure: Si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional.
    • Example: Si tuviera más dinero, alquilaría un ático.
    • This is not the focus of this A2 explanation, but you see it in the book.

Typical learner mistakes to avoid

  • Mistake 1: future after “si”
    Si reformarás la cocina, el piso será más caro.
    ✔️ Si reformas la cocina, el piso será más caro.
  • Mistake 2: using the conditional after “si” in real future situations
    Si buscarías piso, encontrarías algo.
    ✔️ Si buscas piso, encontrarás algo.
  • Mistake 3: forgetting to change the subject
    Subject can change between parts:
    ✔️ Si tú firmas el contrato, ellos te mostrarán más pisos.
  • Mistake 4: translating English “if + will” directly
    English: If you will sign… → Spanish: Si firmas… (never *si firmarás* here).

Step‑by‑step: build your own sentence

  1. Decide the real future situation.
    Example idea: “If I work from home, I will need an extra room.”
  2. Write the condition in Spanish with present indicative.
    • Idea: “If I work from home…”
    • Spanish: Si trabajo desde casa…
  3. Write the result with future simple.
    • Idea: “… I will need an extra room.”
    • Spanish: necesitaré una habitación extra.
  4. Combine and check.
    • Full sentence: Si trabajo desde casa, necesitaré una habitación extra.
    • Check: after si → present? yes. Result → future? yes.

Mini self‑check: can I recognise and use it?

Check these questions mentally:

  1. Can I explain in English what Si + presente + futuro simple means? (real / possible future)
  2. Do I remember that after “si” I use present, not future or conditional?
  3. Can I form the future simple of common verbs (buscar, reformar, ser, mudarse)?
  4. Can I move the si-clause to the end without changing the verb forms?

If you can answer “yes” to most points, you are ready to use these sentences actively in conversation (for example: talking with an estate agent, giving advice to a friend about renting, or planning your move).

  1. It is used for real or possible situations in the future.
  2. Conditional words like si must be followed by a verb in the present indicative to express the condition, while the simple future is used to indicate the consequence.
Fórmula (Formula)Condición (Condition)Consecuencia (Consequence)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si firmas el contrato (If you sign the contract)Te mudarás pronto. (You will move soon.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si reformas la cocina (If you renovate the kitchen)El piso será más caro. (The flat will be more expensive.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si consultas la inmobiliaria (If you check with the real estate agency)Te mostrarán más opciones. (They will show you more options.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si buscas residencia temporal (If you look for temporary housing)Esta será la opción ideal. (This will be the ideal option.)

Exercise 1: Multiple choice

Instruction: Choose the correct answer

1. Si ___ hoy el contrato de alquiler, entrarás a vivir en el piso la semana que viene.

If ___ the rental agreement today, you will move into the apartment next week.)

2. Si ___ un piso de estudiantes en este barrio, encontrarás muchos anuncios en internet.

If ___ a student apartment in this neighborhood, you will find many listings online.)

3. Si ___ la cocina, el piso será más caro, pero también más cómodo.

If ___ the kitchen, the apartment will be more expensive, but also more comfortable.)

4. Si ___ la inmobiliaria mañana, nos darán información sobre los gastos de comunidad.

If ___ the agency tomorrow, they will give us information about the community fees.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Select the option that correctly uses the simple conditional in real estate and everyday contexts, while identifying common mistakes in the incorrect options.

1.
Incorrect: for unreal hypotheses, the imperfect subjunctive 'had' should be used instead of the imperfect indicative 'had'.
Incorrect: after 'if', you must use the present indicative or imperfect subjunctive, not the conditional.
2.
Incorrect: the correct subjunctive form is 'showed', not 'show'.
Incorrect: 'would show' is conditional; here, the imperfect subjunctive 'showed' is required.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the phrases

Instruction: Combine the two sentences and rewrite them as a single sentence using the structure: If + present simple + simple future.

Show/Hide translation Show/Hide hints
  1. Hint Hint (Si) Primero visitas la inmobiliaria. Después la inmobiliaria te explica los precios.
    ⇒ _______________________________________________ Example
    Si visitas la inmobiliaria, te explicarán los precios.
    (Si visitas la inmobiliaria, te explicarán los precios.)
  2. Hint Hint (Si) Primero firmas el contrato. Después te mudas al piso nuevo.
    ⇒ _______________________________________________ Example
    Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás al piso nuevo.
    (Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás al piso nuevo.)
  3. Hint Hint (Si) Primero reformas el baño. Después el piso es más cómodo.
    ⇒ _______________________________________________ Example
    Si reformas el baño, el piso será más cómodo.
    (Si reformas el baño, el piso será más cómodo.)
  4. Hint Hint (Si) Primero buscas un compañero de piso. Después compartes los gastos.
    ⇒ _______________________________________________ Example
    Si buscas un compañero de piso, compartirás los gastos.
    (Si buscas un compañero de piso, compartirás los gastos.)

Exercise 4: Grammar in action

Instruction: In pairs, negotiate options and decide what you would do in each case.

Show/Hide translation
Situation
Vas a la inmobiliaria para buscar piso y preguntar por residencia temporal.
(You go to a real estate agency to look for an apartment and ask about temporary residency.)

Discuss
  • Cuenta a tu compañero: ¿qué tipo de vivienda buscas y en qué barrio. (Tell your partner: what kind of housing are you looking for and which neighborhood.)
  • Tu compañero es agente: recomienda pisos usando consecuencias futuras posibles (Ej.: Si firmas el contrato, ...). Luego cambiad roles. (Your partner is the agent: recommend apartments using possible future consequences (e.g.: If you sign the contract, ...). Then switch roles.)

Useful words and phrases
  • Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás pronto. (If you sign the contract, you will move in soon.)
  • Si el piso está en buen estado, lo aceptarás más rápido. (If the apartment is in good condition, you will accept it more quickly.)
  • Si buscas residencia temporal amueblada, la inmobiliaria te mostrará opciones. (If you are looking for furnished temporary accommodation, the agency will show you options.)

Use in conversation
  • Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)
  • Condicional tipo 1 para dar consejos (First conditional to give advice)

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This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Alessia Calcagni

Languages for communication in international enterprises and organizations

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 05/03/2026 21:25