Si Clauses Type 1

Si (if) clauses are one of the most important grammatical structures in French. They allow you to express conditions and their results. Type 1 si clauses describe real, possible conditions — things that might actually happen.

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The Formula

Si + present tense → future tense (futur simple or futur proche)

Si Clause (Condition)	Main Clause (Result)
Si + present	futur simple
Si + present	futur proche
Si + present	imperative

Critical Rule: After "si" meaning "if," you never use the futur simple. The present tense goes in the si clause; the future goes in the result clause.

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Examples: Si + Present → Futur Simple

• Si tu étudies, tu réussiras. — If you study, you will pass.
• Si il fait beau, nous irons à la plage. — If it is nice, we will go to the beach.
• S'il pleut, je resterai à la maison. — If it rains, I will stay at home.
• Si vous avez des questions, je vous répondrai. — If you have questions, I will answer you.
• Si elle arrive tôt, nous pourrons dîner ensemble. — If she arrives early, we will be able to have dinner together.

Note: "Si" + "il" contracts to s'il, but "si" + "elle" does NOT contract: "si elle".

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Examples: Si + Present → Futur Proche

• Si tu es sage, je vais t'acheter une glace. — If you are good, I am going to buy you an ice cream.
• Si on a le temps, on va visiter le musée. — If we have time, we are going to visit the museum.

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Examples: Si + Present → Imperative

• Si tu as faim, mange! — If you are hungry, eat!
• Si vous êtes fatigués, reposez-vous. — If you are tired, rest.
• S'il fait beau, sortons! — If it is nice, let's go out!

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Examples: Si + Present → Present

Sometimes both clauses use the present to express general truths or habits:

• Si on chauffe l'eau à 100°C, elle bout. — If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
• Si je me couche tard, je suis fatigué le lendemain. — If I go to bed late, I am tired the next day.

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Word Order

The si clause can come first or second:

Si Clause First	Result Clause First
Si tu viens, je serai content.	Je serai content si tu viens.
Si elle étudie, elle réussira.	Elle réussira si elle étudie.

Tip: When the si clause comes first, a comma separates the two clauses. When the result clause comes first, no comma is needed.

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Common Patterns