Copyright © 2009 Vista Higher Learning. All rights reserved. 8.3–1 Si (if) clauses express a condition or event upon which another condition or event depends.

Copyright © 2009 Vista Higher Learning. All rights reserved. 8.3–1

• Si (if) clauses express a condition or event upon which another condition or event depends. Sentences with si clauses are often hypothetical statements. They contain a subordinate clause (si clause) and a main clause (result clause).


• The si clause may be the first or second clause in a sentence. Note that a comma is used only when the si clause comes first.

Si tienes tiempo, ven con nosotros. Iré con ustedes si no trabajo.

If you have time, come with us. I’ll go with you if I don’t work.


Hypothetical statements about the future• In hypothetical statements about possible or probable

future events, the si clause uses the present indicative. The result clause may use the present indicative, the future indicative, ir a + [infinitive], or a command.


Si salgo temprano del trabajo, PRESENT TENSE

voy al cine con Andrés.

If I finish work early, I’m going to the movies with Andrés.

Si usted no mejora su currículum, FUTURE TENSE

nunca conseguirá empleo.

If you don’t improve your résumé, you’ll never get a job.

Si la jefa me pregunta, IR A + [INFINITIVE]

no le voy a mentir.

If the boss asks me, I’m not going to lie to her.

Si hay algún problema, COMMAND háganos saber de inmediato.

If there is a problem, let us know right away.

Si clause: PRESENT INDICATIVE Main clause



Hypothetical statements about the present• In hypothetical statements about improbable or contrary-to-fact

present situations, the si clause uses the past subjunctive. The result clause uses the conditional.

¡Si ustedes no fueran tan incapaces, ya lo tendrían listo!

If you weren’t all so incapable, you’d already have this ready!

Si sacaras un préstamo a largo plazo, pagarías menos por mes.

If you took out a long-term loan, you’d pay less each month.

Si no estuviera tan cansada, saldría a cenar contigo.

If I weren’t so tired, I’d go out to dinner with you.

Si clause: PAST SUBJUNCTIVE Main clause: CONDITIONAL


A contrary-to-fact situation is one that is possible, but will probably not happen and/or has not occurred.



Habitual conditions and actions in the past• In statements that express habitual past actions that

are not contrary-to-fact, both the si clause and the result clause use the imperfect.

Si Milena tenía tiempo libre, siempre iba a la playa.

If Milena had free time, she would always go to the beach.

Si mi papá salía de viaje de negocios, siempre me traía un regalito.

If my dad went on a business trip, he always brought me back a little present.

Si clause: IMPERFECT Main clause: IMPERFECT


Copyright © 2009 Vista Higher Learning. All rights reserved. 8.3–1 Si (if) clauses express a condition or event upon which another condition or event depends.

Documents

subordinate clause si

ustedes si

si ustedes

si milena

si clauses

main clause result clause

si sacaras

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