Si Clauses - Spanish If-Then Clauses: Possible or Likely Situations

Spanish si clauses, also known as conditionals or conditional sentences, are used to express what could happen if some condition is met. There are three different kinds of si clauses. In this lesson, we'll look at the most common type of si clause: possible or likely situations.

There are three constructions for expressing possible or likely situations, known as the first conditional. Each of these constructions requires the present tense in the conditional clause; that is, the clause that begins with si and expresses the condition that must be met for the result clause to occur. The order of the clauses is unimportant.

Si Present, Present

The si + present tense, present tense construction is used for things that happen (regularly) when a condition is met. Note that the si in these sentences could probably be replaced by cuando (when) with little or no difference in meaning.

Si llueve, no trabajamos - If it rains, we don't work.
No trabajamos si llueve - We don't work if it rains.

Si no quiero leer yo miro la televisión - If I don't want to read I watch TV.
Miro la televisión si no quiero leer - I watch TV if I don't want to read.

Si Present, Future

The si + present tense, future tense construction is used for events that will occur (in the future) if the condition is met (in the present).

Si tengo tiempo, yo lo haré - If I have time, I will do it.
Yo lo haré si tengo tiempo - I will do it if I have time.

Si estudias, serás inteligente - If you study, you will be smart.
Serás inteligente si estudias - You will be smart if you study.

Si Present, Imperative

The si + present tense, imperative construction is used to give an order (in the imperative) dependent on the condition being met (in the present).

Si puedes, llama mañana - If you can, call tomorrow.
Llama mañana si puedes - Call tomorrow if you can.
(If you can't, then don't worry about it.)

Si Ud. tiene dinero, pague la cuenta - If you have money, pay the bill.
Pague la cuenta si tiene dinero - Pay the bill if you have money.
(If you don't have money, someone else will do it.)

Second conditional     Third conditional

Present tense     Future tense     Imperative

Intro to Si Clauses     Test on Si Clauses

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