Use in conditional sentences

When you want to express future possibilities in Spanish that depend on certain conditions, you’ll need to understand how to use the future tense in conditional sentences. This guide will show you the essential patterns and help you master this important aspect of Spanish grammar.

Basic Structure

In Spanish conditional sentences that refer to the future, you’ll typically see this pattern:

• Si + present tense verb (condition) + future tense verb (result)

For example: “Si estudias mucho, aprobarás el examen.” (If you study hard, you will pass the exam.)

Key Uses

1. Likely Future Scenarios
   • Use this structure when discussing probable future events:
     • “Si hace buen tiempo mañana, iremos a la playa.” (If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go to the beach.)
2. Cause and Effect
   • Express natural consequences:
     • “Si no comes bien, tendrás problemas de salud.” (If you don’t eat well, you will have health problems.)
3. Warnings or Advice
   • Give guidance about future outcomes:
     • “Si gastas todo tu dinero ahora, no podrás ahorrar nada.” (If you spend all your money now, you won’t be able to save anything.)

Common Patterns

1. Personal Decisions:
   • “Si no viene Juan, cancelaré la reunión.” (If Juan doesn’t come, I will cancel the meeting.)
2. Natural Consequences:
   • “Si plantas estas semillas, crecerán flores hermosas.” (If you plant these seeds, beautiful flowers will grow.)
3. Social Arrangements:
   • “Si termino temprano, te llamaré.” (If I finish early, I will call you.)

Important Notes

1. Time Frame
   • The condition (si clause) must be in the present tense when referring to future possibilities:
     • “Si llueve mañana…” (NOT “Si lloverá mañana…”)
2. Order Flexibility
   • You can switch the order of the clauses:
     • “Te llamaré si termino temprano.”
     • “Si termino temprano, te llamaré.”
     • Both mean: “I will call you if I finish early.”
3. Negative Conditions
   • Include “no” before the verb in the si clause:
     • “Si no estudias, no aprobarás.” (If you don’t study, you won’t pass.)

Special Cases

1. Universal Truths:
   • “Si calientas el agua a 100 grados, hervirá.” (If you heat water to 100 degrees, it will boil.)
2. Habitual Results:
   • “Si comes muchos dulces, te dolerá el estómago.” (If you eat lots of sweets, your stomach will hurt.)
3. Professional Advice:
   • “Si sigues este tratamiento, mejorarás rápidamente.” (If you follow this treatment, you will improve quickly.)

Remember, this structure helps you express future possibilities that depend on specific conditions. It’s different from impossible or unlikely conditions, which would use the conditional tense instead.