CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
The adjective hypothetical derives from the word hypothesis. An hypothesis is something that, in particular circumstances, can happen.
A conditional sentence, il periodo ipotetico, is made up by a main clause and by a subordinate clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction se, if in english.
The main clause is called apodosi; the subordinate clause, if clause in english, is called protasi.
Conditional sentences are divided into three types: the hypothesis expressed can be real, possible or irreal. In relation to the type of the sentence, different tenses and different moods must be used.
- Periodo ipotetico della realtà
The condition is either likely to be met or may even be a reality already.
Protasi (if clause) |
Apodosi (main clause) |
se + indicativo presente or futuro →
Se piove (If it rains) Se corri (If you run) Se andrete al concerto
se + indicativo presente →
Se mangi qualcosa (If you eat something) |
indicativo presente or futuro
apro l’ombrello. (I’ll open the umbrella) raggiungerai Luca. (you’ll reach Luca.) vi divertirete.
imperativo
dopo lava i piatti (then wash the dishes.) |
- Periodo ipotetico della possibilità
The condition is about something possible: maybe, the situation can come true.
Protasi (subordinata) |
Apodosi (principale) |
se + congiuntivo imperfetto →
Se dovesse piovere (If it rained) Se corressi (If you ran) |
condizionale presente
aprirei l’ombrello. (I would open the umbrella.) raggiungeresti Luca. (You would reach Luca.) |
- Periodo ipotetico dell’irrealtà
When there is little chance of the conditions coming true or when there is the impossibility of the condition coming true, it must be used the third type of hypothetical sentences.
Protasi (subordinata) |
Apodosi (principale) |
se + congiuntivo imperfetto → or se + congiuntivo trapassato →
Se avessi le ali (If I had had the wings) Se avessi corso (If you had run) |
condizionale presente
condizionale passato
volerei. (I would have flown) avresti raggiunto Luca. (you would have reached Luca.) hypothesis no more feasible |
Important: se is always set before indicative and subjunctive tenses, never before conditional ones.
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