Real conditional sentences, also known as oraciones condicionales reales in Spanish, are used to talk about things that are true or could actually happen. They have a special format and help us describe events that are likely to occur based on specific conditions.

How Real Conditional Sentences Work

Real conditional sentences have two parts:

1. The if part (called the protasis).
2. The main part (known as the apodosis).

Here’s how they are organized:

1. If + Present, then Future (or Present)

   • Example: Si estudias, aprobarás el examen. (If you study, you will pass the exam.)

2. Present + Future (without saying the condition)

   • Example: Estudias y apruebas el examen. (You study and pass the exam.)

When to Use Real Conditional Sentences

We use real conditional sentences for situations that are likely to happen now or in the future. Here are some examples:

• To show regular actions:

  • Si llueve, llevo paraguas. (If it rains, I take an umbrella.)

• When giving advice or suggestions:

  • Si quieres mejorar tu español, practica todos los días. (If you want to improve your Spanish, practice every day.)

• To make guesses based on what we know:

  • Si estudias, no tendrás problemas. (If you study, you won’t have problems.)

Important Things to Remember

• The if part can come first or it can come after the main part of the sentence:
  • Llevo paraguas si llueve. (I take an umbrella if it rains.)
• The verb in the if part decides what happens in the main part, usually using the present or future tense.

By learning how to use real conditional sentences, you can clearly talk about real-life situations and what might happen in Spanish.