A frequent pattern in English is the use of constructions with if followed by a clause of result (then, either stated or implied):

–If you take Interstate 85, (then) you'll get there faster.

In this kind of sentence the if clause introduces a hypothetical statement. When the if clause is in the present tense, the result (then) clause is in the future:

–If it becomes (present) any hotter, we'll have to go (future) swimming.

–I'll send (future) you some money, if you need it (present).

Now you have seen the if (present tense), then (future tense) pattern. Here are two other sequences:

–If (past tense), then (conditional tense)

–If (past perfect), then (past conditional)

–If I had (past) more time, I would read (conditional) this book.

–They would have won (past conditional) the race, if they had run (past perfect) faster.

NOTE: When you use the verb to be after if, were not was is the preferred form:

–If he were younger, he would ski every day.

Examples of If…Then Constructions

• If you eat something now, then you won't be hungry later.
• I will come and visit you, if you move to California.