Using como as "if" (subordinate conditional clause)

Question 1

In Spanish, the conjunction “como” is used to introduce a clause that expresses a condition for the action in the main clause to be fulfilled. The conditional clause with como can be placed right at the beginning or after the main clause.

Answer 1

Here are some examples:

Como me ofrezcan el trabajo voy a hacer una gran fiesta.

If they offer me the job I will have a big party.

Te vas a arrepentir como no vengas ahora mismo.

You are going to regret it if you don’t come right now.

Note that como in conditional clauses only allows El Subjuntivo, not El Indicativo.

When we use como in conditional clauses, the context is generally that of a warning, threat or prediction.

Question 2

When the conjunction como is used with El Indicativo in subordinate clauses,

Answer 2

the meaning of the clause will be different. In this case, the clause will be introducing a cause, not a condition. For example:

“Como salí del trabajo tarde, no pude ir al cine con mi novia.”

(Because/Since I left work late, I couldn’t go to the cinema with my girlfriend.)

Question 3

If you don’t pass the exam, I won’t take you to McDonalds. (a warning)

Answer 3

Como no apruebes el examen, no te llevo a McDonalds.

Question 4

I will call my big brother if you don’t leave me alone. (a threat)

Answer 4

Voy a llamar a mi hermano mayor como no me dejéis tranquilo.

Question 5

If it rains now, all the clothes hanging in the patio will get wet. (a prediction)

Answer 5

Como llueva ahora, toda la ropa colgada en el patio se mojará.