1. Conditional Sentences
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2. What is a conditional sentence?
Any sentence that uses the word “if” in English (“si” in Latin) is a CONDITIONAL SENTENCE.
A conditional sentence is one in which the first half of the sentence affects the veracity (truthiness) of the second half.
EXAMPLE:
If I study I will get an “A” on the test

3. The Two Halves
Conditional Sentences are always made up of at least two parts (clauses):
The “if” clause of the sentence is called the PROTASIS
The “then” clause of the sentence is called the APODASIS
Realize that the protasis is not always the first clause.

4. Conditional Sentences in Latin
In Latin we categorize conditional sentences based on the TENSE and the MOOD of the protasis/apodasis.
Latin Conditional Sentences fall into two basic types: GENERAL (aka simple) and CONTRAFACTUAL (aka contrary-to-fact)
The tenses of Latin conditional sentence are straightforward: present, past, and future

5. GENERAL vs CONTRAFACTUAL
The two major types of conditional sentences reflect the MOOD of the verb in each clause.
GENERAL conditionals are in the INDICATIVE MOOD
CONTRAFACTUAL conditionals are in the SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD

6. GENERAL conditions
GENERAL conditional statements are made when the relationship between the PROTASIS and the APODASIS generally seems to be true:
If I study I earn an A
If I have been studying I have earned an A
If I study I will earn an A
Because GENERAL conditionals are inherently true they operate in the INDICATIVE MOOD

7. CONTRAFACTUAL conditions
CONTRAFACTUAL conditional statements happen when the PROTASIS does not seem to be true (making the APODASIS potentially false as well).
If I were studying I would earn an A
If I had studied I would have earned an A
If I should study I would earn an A
Because CONTRAFACTUAL statements are inherently untrue they all operate in the SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD

8. PRESENT CONTRAFACTUAL
Imperfect subjunctive  imperfect subjunctive
Si dure studerem, bene facerem
If I were studying hard (but I’m not…I’m watching Sparticus for the 15th time…) I would be doing well
These use an IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE in both clauses.
NOTA BENE: Impf subjunctive = 2nd pp + personal endings

9. PERFECT CONTRAFACTUAL
Pluperfect subjunctive  Pluperfect subjunctive
Si dure studuissem, bene fecissem
If I had studied I would have done well
These use a pluperfect subjunctive for both clauses
Nota Bene: pluperfect subjunctive = 3rd pp +isse + personal endings

10. FUTURE CONTRAFACTUAL More commonly known as FUTURE LESS VIVID
Also known as should-would
Present subjunctive  Present subjunctive
Si dure studeam, bene faciam
If I should study hard I would do well
NOTA BENE: present subjunctive = 1st pp + wE bEAt A lIAr + personal endings

11. Condition type
Verb in conditional clause (protasis)
Verb in main clause (apodosis)
Simple fact—present
Present indicative
Simple fact—past
Imperf/perfect indicative
Simple fact—future
a.k.a future more vivid
Present/future indicative
Future indicative
Contrary to fact—present
Impf subjunctive
Contrary to fact – perfect
Pluperfect subjunctive
Pluperfect Subjunctive
Contrary to fact – future a.k.a. future less vivid
Present subjunctive

12. EXAMPLES FROM DBM 5.29
Si nihil esset durius, nullo cum periculo ad proximam legionem perventuros (esse)
If nothing were difficult then they would come to the nearest legion with no danger
Si Gallia omnis cum Germanis consentiret, unam esse in celeritate positam salutem
If Gaul were agreeing with all of Germany, the one safety would be placed in speed.
NOTA BENE: both these examples use IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE in the PROTASIS and are examples of PRESENT CONTRAFACTUAL

13. Strategies to help you remember…
Recognize the patterns for subjunctives:
Present subjunctive =
We beat a liar
Imperfect subjunctive =
Infinitive form + personal endings
Pluperfect subjunctive =
3rd part + isse + personal ending
It seems odd that the Contrary to Fact—Present uses imperfect? Think about how we say it in English:
If I were on vacation right now (but I’m not, I’m here teaching Latin), I would be swimming and getting a tan.
We use the imperfect, too!