Si clauses, which are the equivalent of if clauses in English, are quite hard for most people who are trying to learn Spanish. One of the main reasons why it is not so easy to learn them is because of the beloved “subjuntivo”. However, there is no need to panic, because this article has got you covered. Arm yourself with a pen or a pencil, a notebook or a piece of paper, and let’s get started.
- Si + present indicative=?
When we use this structure, the actions that we are talking about are possible. The condition has a high chance of being fulfilled. In addition, it is important to know that the two parts of the sentence “si clause” and the result clause, can be interchanged in terms of which comes first, without changing the meaning of it.
If in the “si clause” we have present indicative, then in the result clause, we have three options:
- Present indicative
Example: Si nos vemos hoy, te doy el libro. (= If we see each other today, I give you the book).
2. Future
Example: Si tengo dinero, viajaré a Paris. (= If I have the money, I will travel to Paris)
3. Imperative
Example: Si me desmayo, dame agua. (= If I faint, give me water).
- Si + imperfect subjunctive =?
When we use this structure, we think about a hypothetical situation, which is impossible to happen. If in the “si clause” we use the imperfect subjunctive, then in the result clause, we will use the conditional. Write this down: we never ever use the conditional after si. Contrary to all expectations, si is never found near the conditional.
Example: Si pudiera volar, viajaría por todo el mundo. (= If I could fly, I would travel the world).
- Si + pluperfect subjunctive
When we use this structure, we talk about the opposite of what happened. It refers to a hypothetical situation, in which things would have turned out totally different. We have three options for this situation:
- Past conditional
Example: Si hubiera ganando la apuesta, habría ido al concierto. (= If I had won the bet, I would have gone to the concert).
2. Simple conditional
We use this structure when the result clause is still valid in the present.
Example: Si hubiera aprendido hablar inglés, entendería mejor las películas americanas. (= If I had learned to speak English, I could understand American movies better).
3. Pluperfect subjunctive
We use this structure mostly in the spoken language.
Example: Si hubiera tenido un hermano, no me hubiera aburrido tanto. (= If I had had a brother, I wouldn’t have gotten so bored).
You see? Si condicional clauses, are not that hard after all. Apply three magical formulas and you have learned your lesson. Try it, it is fail proof. Your Spanish will improve in no time, and if you learn these magic formulas, then you will have demystified the Spanish language. Spanish grammar, is easy if you find some simple tricks. Go ahead, test them out.
