What Will Happen?
Zero Conditional
Use the zero conditional if an action always occurs as the result of another action. The zero conditional is used to express conditions that are always true.
Example:
Tom reviews gift card sales if he arrives before nine.
The loan is on consignment if the credit score is reported above 650.
The present simple is used in both the 'if' clause and the result clause.
'If' clause - present simple + , + result clause - present simple
Tom reviews gift card sales if he arrives before nine.
The loan is on consignment if the credit score is reported above 650.
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
Bob checks his periodical report if it gets to his desk before lunch.
First Conditional
Use the first, or 'real', conditional if an action will occur if something happens. The first conditional is used when a result is realistically possible.
'If' clause - present simple + , + result clause - future with will
If the start up costs aren't too high then I will open the restaurant.
He will take out a loan if the credit department is open until 10PM.
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
He will take out a loan if the credit department is open until 10PM.
'Unless' is also used in the first conditional to mean 'if not'.
If he doesn't come soon, we won't go to lunch = Unless he comes, we won't go to lunch.
Use of 'May' and 'Might' in the First Conditional
When a future result is not certain based on a condition, use 'may' or 'might'.
'If' clause - present simple + , + result clause - 'may / might' + verb
We will discuss the periodical report if we have extra time.
What action might make your net assets increase?