Conditional Sentences (Si Clauses)

Conditional sentences in Spanish (las oraciones condicionales) are built using clauses introduced by si (if). They are categorized into three types based on the likelihood of the condition: real conditions (present/future), hypothetical/unlikely conditions (present/future), and impossible/unfulfilled conditions (past).

For real conditions, use si + Present Indicative followed by Present Indicative, Future, or Imperative (e.g., si llueve, no voy). For hypothetical conditions, use si + Imperfect Subjunctive followed by Conditional (e.g., si tuviera dinero, viajaría). For impossible past conditions, use si + Pluscuamperfecto Subjunctive followed by Conditional Perfecto or Pluscuamperfecto Subjunctive (e.g., si hubiera sabido, habría ido).

A very common mistake is using the Present Subjunctive after si (e.g., saying si tenga tiempo, iré instead of si tengo tiempo, iré). Another critical error is using the Future tense or Conditional directly in the si clause (e.g., saying si tendría dinero instead of si tuviera dinero). The si clause in Spanish never accepts the Future or Conditional tenses in conditional contexts.