De + infinitive (conditional clause) Flashcards
de” introduces a subordinate clause expressing a condition, the same way the conjunction “si” (if) does.
In this case “de” is followed by an infinitive.
Have you heard the news? If it is true, the economy is declining.
¿Has escuchado las noticias? De ser verdad, la economía va en declive.
If it were possible, I would take you to that 4-star restaurant.
De ser posible, te llevaría a ese restaurante 4 tenedores.
If I could choose, I would prefer the Ferrari.
De poder elegir, yo me inclinaría por el Ferrari.
If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something to eat.
De haber sabido que veníais, habría hecho algo de comer.
If that law were to be approved, women will benefit a lot workwise.
De ser aprobada esa ley, las mujeres se beneficiarán mucho a nivel laboral.
If we didn’t arrive on time we’d miss the flight.
De no llegar a tiempo perderíamos el vuelo.
pronouns in this type of construction can be attached to the end of the infinitive following the usual rule. For example, this sentence:
De haber sabido que veníais, habría hecho algo de comer.
If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared something to eat.
could become:
De haberlo sabido, habría preparado algo de comer.
I had known [it], I would have prepared something to eat.
