Real If-Clauses

In brief

Use se (if) to introduce a real condition: something that can happen or is regularly true. The other part of the sentence says what happens if the condition is met. Se can come first or second; put a comma after a se-clause when it comes first.

Form

Se + present indicative, + present indicative, future indicative, or imperative in the main clause. A future indicative is also possible after se when referring to a future event; the present is often more natural for everyday plans.

Usage

• Use the present in both parts for regular results or immediate plans.
• Use a future form in the main clause to emphasize a future result.
• Use an imperative in the main clause to give advice or an instruction.

Examples

• Se piove, restiamo a casa. — If it rains, we stay home.
• Se finisco presto, ti chiamerò. — If I finish early, I’ll call you.
• Se hai fame, mangia qualcosa. — If you’re hungry, eat something.

Common mistake

❌ Se pioverebbe, restiamo a casa.

✅ Se piove, restiamo a casa.

For a real, possible condition, use the indicative after se, not the conditional form pioverebbe.

Remember

For everyday future conditions, the present after se is often enough: Se piove domani, restiamo a casa.