Conditional Sentences
A2–B1Sentence building 5 min
A conditional sentence puts the condition after si in the present, and the result in the present, the future or the imperative. After si, the verb stays in the present, even about the future: Si tengo tiempo, voy. Si tengo tiempo, iré.
No information at the current level. This view starts at A2: choose A2 or a higher level.
No information at the current level. This view starts at A2: choose A2 or a higher level.
CheatsheetA2–B1
| Point | Rule | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | si + present, then the present | Si quieres, puedes venir. | If you want, you can come. |
| Use | what usually happens when the condition holds | Si como mucho, me duele el estómago. | If I eat a lot, I get a stomach ache. |
| Comma | a comma follows the si clause when it comes first | Si llueve, no salgo. / No salgo si llueve. | If it rains, I don't go out. / I don't go out if it rains. |
| Spelling | si means if, sí with an accent means yes | Si quieres, vamos. / Sí, claro. | If you want, let's go. / Yes, of course. |
| B1Form | si + present, then the future | Si tengo tiempo, iré. | If I have time, I'll go. |
| B1Form | si + present, then the imperative | Si puedes, ayúdame. | If you can, help me. |
| B1Trap | never the future after si in a condition | Si viene Carlota, iremos al cine. | If Carlota comes, we'll go to the cinema. |
OverviewA2
- A conditional sentence has two parts: the condition with si, and the result.
- Either part can come first; a comma follows the si clause when it opens the sentence: Si llueve, no salgo. / No salgo si llueve. — If it rains, I don't go out. / I don't go out if it rains.
FormA2–B1
| Pattern | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| si + present + present | Si quieres ir al cine, puedes comprar la entrada por internet. | If you want to go to the cinema, you can buy the ticket online. |
| B1si + present + future | Si tengo tiempo, iré. | If I have time, I'll go. |
| B1si + present + imperative | Si tienes frío, cierra la ventana. | If you're cold, close the window. |
B1
- After si, the verb stays in the present, even when the condition is in the future: Si viene Carlota, iremos al cine. — If Carlota comes, we'll go to the cinema.
UseA2–B1
| Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| What usually happens | Si como mucho, me duele el estómago. | If I eat a lot, I get a stomach ache. |
| A condition now | Si tienes hambre, hay fruta en la cocina. | If you're hungry, there's fruit in the kitchen. |
| Offers | Si quieres, te ayudo. | If you like, I'll help you. |
| B1A future condition | Si hace sol mañana, iremos a la playa. | If it's sunny tomorrow, we'll go to the beach. |
| B1Instructions | Si llegas tarde, llámame. | If you're late, call me. |
Spelling: si and síA2
- si without an accent introduces a condition; sí with an accent means yes: ¿Vienes a la fiesta? — Sí, si tengo tiempo. — Are you coming to the party? — Yes, if I have time.
Compare: si and cuandoB1
| si | cuando |
|---|---|
| it may happen or not | it will happen; only the moment is open |
| Si viene Ana, la saludo. — If Ana comes, I'll say hello to her. | Cuando llegue a casa, te llamo. — When I get home, I'll call you. |
- cuando about the future takes the subjunctive: Subjunctive after cuando, para que, antes de que.
Typical errorsA2–B1
| ✗ | ✓ | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Sí quieres, vamos. | Si quieres, vamos. | si for a condition has no accent |
| B1Si lloverá, no saldremos. | Si llueve, no saldremos. | after si in a condition, the present, never the future |
| B1Si llegues tarde, llámame. | Si llegas tarde, llámame. | after si, the present indicative, not the subjunctive |