Conditional if clauses Flashcards
What tense do you use when an if clause introduces a contrary-to-fact (if something was __, then… for instance) verb in the present or future tense?
imperfect subjunctive
ex: Si ella fuera una buena actriz, sería famosa.
If she were a good actress, she would be famous.
What tense do you use when an if clause introduces a condition that is unlikely to take place in the present or future?
imperfect subjunctive
ex: Si recibiera un email de él mañana, me pondría contento.
If I were to receive an email from him tomorrow, I would be happy. (it’s unlikely that I will)
What tense do you use when an if clause introduces a contrary-to-fact verb or a condition that is unlikely to take place in the past?
Pluperfect subjunctive
ex: Si el arqueólogo no hubiera visto la figura de un felino, habría descubierto la tumba.
If the archaeologist hadn’t seen the figure of the feline, he wouldn’t have discovered the tomb.
How do you express the idea of “If (subject) were/had/hadn’t/etc… + action, then _______(something else/ some result).
Si clause
Si + verb in imperfect subjunctive/pluperfect subjunctive + something, conditional verb + something
What tense do if clauses that introduce a verb that is neither contrary to fact nor unlikely to take place use?
the indicative
ex: Si me prestas tu bicicleta, te la devuelvo mañana
If you lend me your bicycle, I’ll return it to you tomorrow
What’s another way (besides an if clause) to express contrary to fact conditions?
- De + simple infinitive
- de tener mas tiempo, iríamos a Cuzco. (if we had more time, we would go to cuzco)
- De + compound infinitive
- De no haber habido una sequia tan larga, los mochicas no habrias desaparecido (If there hadn’t been such a long drought, the Mochicas wouldn’t have disappeared)
What does “como si” always present?
“as if”
contrary-to-fact or hypothetical situation
so, it always takes the imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive
When used with “como si”, how do you express an action or state that is coincident in time with the main verb?
imperfect subjunctive
ex: Gasta dinero como si fuera rico
(he spends money as if he were rich)
When used with “como si”, how do you express an action or state prior to the main verb?
pluperfect subjunctive
Ella cuenta lo que pasó como si hubiese estado alli (She tells what happened as if she had been there)
Define “ni que”
anybody would think, as if
What follows “ni que”
the imperfect subjunctive or pluperfect subjunctive
Define “por si (acaso)”
Just in case
