Conditional Clauses

These clauses are introduced by si = if or nisi = unless/ if…not, which state a condition on which the truth of the main clause depends. The "if" part is the subordinate part of the sentence. The "then" part is the main part.


REAL UNREAL
FUTURE If: si + future perfect
-in English present tense is usually used

Then: Future tense

si hoc feceris iratus ero
if you do this I will be angry
If: si + present subjunctive


Then: Present subjunctive

si me audias  laetus sis
If you could hear me you would be happy
PRESENT If: si + indicative

Then:
indicative

erras si haec dicis
If you say this
you are wrong
If: si + imperfect subjunctive

Then:
imperfect subjunctive

si me videres laetus essem
If you could see me now I would be happy
PAST If: si + indicative

Then:
indicative
 
ille, si hoc dixit, erravit

If he said this, he was
wrong
If: si+ pluperfect subjunctive

Then: pluperfect subjunctive

si Caesar Britanniam occupavisset Romani laeti fuissent

If Caesar had occupied Britain the Romans would have been happy

This page was written by Alex Fahmy

Return to syntax index