• Si (if) clauses express a condition or event upon which
another condition or event depends. Sentences with
si clauses are often hypothetical statements.
They contain a subordinate clause (si clause) and
a main clause (result clause).
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8.3–1
• The si clause may be the first or second clause in a
sentence. Note that a comma is used only when the
si clause comes first.
Si tienes tiempo, ven con nosotros.
Iré con ustedes si no trabajo.
If you have time, come with us.
I’ll go with you if I don’t work.
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8.3–2
Hypothetical statements about the future
• In hypothetical statements about possible or probable
future events, the si clause uses the present
indicative. The result clause may use the present
indicative, the future indicative, ir a + [infinitive],
or a command.
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8.3–3
Main clause
Si clause: PRESENT INDICATIVE
Si salgo temprano del trabajo,
PRESENT
TENSE
I’m going to the movies with Andrés.
If I finish work early,
Si usted no mejora su currículum,
FUTURE
TENSE
If you don’t improve your résumé,
Si la jefa me pregunta,
If there is a problem,
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nunca conseguirá empleo.
you’ll never get a job.
IR A +
[INFINITIVE]
no le voy a mentir.
I’m not going to lie to her.
If the boss asks me,
Si hay algún problema,
voy al cine con Andrés.
COMMAND
háganos saber de inmediato.
let us know right away.
8.3–4
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8.3–5
Hypothetical statements about the present
• In hypothetical statements about improbable or contrary-to-fact
present situations, the si clause uses the past subjunctive.
The result clause uses the conditional.
Si clause: PAST SUBJUNCTIVE
Main clause: CONDITIONAL
¡Si ustedes no fueran tan incapaces,
ya lo tendrían listo!
If you weren’t all so incapable,
you’d already have this ready!
Si sacaras un préstamo a largo plazo,
pagarías menos por mes.
If you took out a long-term loan,
you’d pay less each month.
Si no estuviera tan cansada,
saldría a cenar contigo.
If I weren’t so tired,
I’d go out to dinner with you.
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8.3–6
A contrary-to-fact situation is one that is possible,
but will probably not happen and/or has not occurred.
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8.3–7
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8.3–8
Habitual conditions and actions in the past
• In statements that express habitual past actions that
are not contrary-to-fact, both the si clause and the
result clause use the imperfect.
Si clause: IMPERFECT
Main clause: IMPERFECT
Si Milena tenía tiempo libre,
siempre iba a la playa.
If Milena had free time,
she would always go to the beach.
Si mi papá salía de viaje de negocios,
siempre me traía un regalito.
If my dad went on a business trip,
he always brought me back a little
present.
Copyright © 2008 Vista Higher Learning. All rights reserved.
8.3–9
Copyright © 2008 Vista Higher Learning. All rights reserved.
8.3–10