SI CLAUSES

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

HYPOTHETICAL STATEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE In hypothetical statements about possible or probable future events or conditions, the verb in the si clause is always in the present indicative. The verb in the result clause may be in the present indicative, future indicative or ir + a +infinitive or a command. Si clause (present indicative) Result Clause Si Uds. están cansados… pueden descansar un poco. Si Andrés sigue el mapa… llegará al campamento en una hora. Si no lleva Ud. un suéter en su mochila… va a tener frío. Si el cartón de leche está vacío… ponlo en la cesta de reciclaje.

HYPOTHETICAL STATEMENTS ABOUT THE PRESENT In hypothetical statements about improbable or contrary- to-fact situations or conditions(i.e. one that is possible, but will probably not happen and/or has not occurred), the verb in the si clause is in the past subjunctive and the result clause is in the conditional. Si clause Result clause Si tuviera un abrelatas… abriría esta lata de frijoles ahora. Si no hubiera leyes para proteger los ríos… estarían muy contaminados. Si Pedro sacara una foto de un oso… se iría contento de esta excursión.

HABITUAL CONDITIONS & ACTIONS IN THE PAST When the si clause express an habitual past action or condition that is not contrary-to-fact, the imperfect tense is used in both the si clause and the result clause. Si clause Result clause Si Pepe tenía la oportunidad… siempre pasaba las vacaciones a la playa. De niño, si íbamos al campo… siempre traíamos comida para el viaje.

SI CLAUSES Si clauses Si tienes tiempo, visita el monumento. Note: The si clause may be the first or second clause of a sentence Si clauses Si tienes tiempo, visita el monumento. ¿Me acompañarías al lago si te lo pidiera?

SI CLAUSES: SUMMARY Si Clause Result Clause Situation/Condition Hypothetical Future Events present indicative future indicative ir + a + infinitive command Hypothetical Present Events past subjunctive conditional Habitual Past Events imperfect indicative