LAS CLAUSULAS CON SI ESPANOL IV

IF CLAUSES An if clause is jointed to a result clause. The two clauses can occur in either order. If you have time (if clause), you should see that movie (result clause). They will let us know (result clause) if they need anything (if clause).

IF CLAUSES If clauses can introduce two different perceptions of reality: 1) as a possible or probable reality. 2) as a hypothetical (contrary to fact) situation.

IF CLAUSES If the situation is viewed as possible or probable, you will use the indicative. If the situation is viewed as hypothetical, you will use the imperfect subjunctive.

POSSIBLE OR PROBABLE SITUATIONS If the situation in the if clause is perceived as possible or probable, the indicative is used. If clauseResult clause si + present indicative present indicative future command

EJEMPLOS Si me llevas a la fiesta, te pago la gasolina. Lo veré si voy a España. Escríbeme si tienes tiempo.

HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION When the situation is perceived as hypothetical or contrary to fact, the imperfect subjunctive is used in the if clause and the conditional is used in the result clause. If clauseResult clause si + imperfect subjunctiveconditional

EJEMPLOS Si tuviera mucho dinero, me comportaría mejor. Cambiaría esa ley si yo tuviera el poder de hacerlo.

In most dialects of Spanish, the present subjunctive NEVER occurs in an if clause. When a situation is hypothetical, it must be expressed in the past subjunctive.

The phrase como si is ALWAYS followed by the imperfect subjunctive because it always triggers a hypothetical situation. In this case, you may use any tense for the independent clause.

EJEMPLOS Habla como si tuviera experiencia personal. Andaba como si estuviera borracha.