Si clauses- second conditionals Grammar essentials #141
There are 3 different kinds of si clauses: 1. First conditional – likely situations – present + present, future, and commands (grammar essential # 140) 2. Second conditional – unlikely situations– currently contrary – imperfect (past) subjunctive + conditional 3. Third conditional – impossible situations – pluperfect subjunctive + pluperfect subjunctive or conditional
Si clause type 2 Unlikely or currently contrary situations The situation described is not currently true, but the if the situation changes, the result clause would be able to occur.
Si clause type 2 The si clause requires past subjunctive (sometimes called imperfect subjunctive) and the independent clause is in the conditional tense. Order of the dependent and independent clause is unimportant.
Si clauses type 2 Examples If you went with us, we would eat there. Si fueras con nosotros, comeríamos allí. He would read the book, if he bought it. Ếl leería el libro si él lo comprara.
Mas ejemplos I would paint more if I had time If I were Queen/King, I would travel the world If I had more money, I would buy a house It if were earlier, I would talk on the phone We would write the letter if we had more pencils
Pintaría más, si tuviera más tiempo Si fuera reina/rey, viajaría por el mundo Si tuviera más dinero, compraría una casa Si fuera más temprano, hablaría por teléfono Escribiríamos la carta si tuviéramos más lápices