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:
I update the feed if she finishes the podcast before midnight.
"If the path can be discovered, we always retrieve the data intact."
The present simple is used in both the 'if' clause and the result clause.
'If' clause - present simple + , + result clause - present simple
I update the feed if she finishes the podcast before midnight.
"If the path can be discovered, we always retrieve the data intact."
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
The customer purchases the pc cards if he signs up for our service.
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
I might install virus protection software if my iMac get infected.
"If he follows the hyperlink on that website, we will probably convert him."
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
She will configure the new system if we purchase new computers.
'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 press control alt delete if we continue to get an hour glass icon.
We might purchase an inkjet printer if our reliable dot matrix printer finally breaks.