First conditional (se)

To form a basic conditional statement linking a present condition to a likely outcome, use se (if).

if
se

In these statements, se is followed by a verb in the present indicative. The outcome can be in the present or future tense.

If the operation fails, we will cancel the project.
Se a operação falha, cancelaremos o projeto.
If the strategy fails, the budget is zero.
Se a estratégia falha, o orçamento é zero.

Word Order

The se clause usually begins the sentence, followed by a comma. If it appears in the second half of the sentence, drop the comma.

If the crisis starts tomorrow, what is the strategy?
Se a crise começa amanhã, qual é a estratégia?
What is the alternative if we have a delay?
Qual é a alternativa se temos um atraso?

Emergency Instructions

To give instructions on handling a risk or delay, pair the se clause with a command.

If we have an emergency, call the manager!
Se temos uma emergência, chama o gerente!
If you see a problem during the operation, tell me!
Se vês um problema durante a operação, diz-me!