What's this type of clause called?

[dstebbins]

I want to call it an "introductory clause," but I'm not exactly certain.

 

When I'm describing a cause-and-effect scenario, and I'm doing so in the form of an "if-then" sentence, what's the clause in the sentence called that describes the "if" scenario?

 

Ok, I probably just confused the hell out of you, so here's an example:

 

"If you stick a penny in a light socket, you will get electrocuted."

 

As you can see, I just described a cause-and-effect scenario, using an "if-then" sentence. The "if" or "cause" is sticking a penny in a light socket, and the "then," or the "effect," is electrocution.

 

The "cause" is in bold, and the "effect" is underlined.

 

What is the clause that's in bold called? Is it called an "introductory" clause, a prefatory clause? A wacka wacka clause? Or something else?

Edited March 2, 2014 by dstebbins

[John Cuthber]

According to this

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/type-1

it's the main clause and the other bit is the conditional clause.

[Iamwhat?]

Choices and consequences. I prefer choice and outcome because who is to say what is consequence?

 

If someone is dumb enough to stick a penny in a light socket, well I guess they needed to be electrocuted.

 

Maybe Darwinism at it's best?