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). © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
The si clause may be the first or second clause in a sentence 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. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypothetical statements about the future In hypothetical statements about conditions or events that are possible or likely to occur, the si clause uses the present indicative. The main clause may use the present indicative, the future indicative, ir a + [infinitive], or a command. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Si salgo temprano del trabajo, voy al cine con Andrés. Si clause: PRESENT INDICATIVE Main clause Si salgo temprano del trabajo, PRESENT TENSE voy al cine con Andrés. If I leave 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 llámenos de inmediato. If there is a problem, call us right away. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
© by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypothetical statements about the present In hypothetical statements about current conditions or events that are improbable or contrary-to-fact, the si clause uses the past subjunctive. The main clause uses the conditional. Si clause: PAST SUBJUNCTIVE Main clause: 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. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
A contrary-to-fact situation is one that is possible, but will probably not happen and/or has not occurred. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
© by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
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 main clause use the imperfect. Si clause: IMPERFECT Main clause: 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. © by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
© by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.