Si Clauses: An Introduction

Si (if) clauses — also called oraciones condicionales — are used to express conditions and their results. In this lesson, we focus primarily on Type 1 (real/possible) conditions and introduce the concept of Type 2 (unreal/hypothetical) conditions.

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Overview of Conditional Sentence Types

Spanish has three main types of conditional sentences:

Type	Condition	Reality	Si clause	Result clause
Type 1	Real / Possible	Likely to happen	Si + present	present / future / imperative
Type 2	Unreal / Hypothetical	Unlikely or contrary to fact	Si + imperfect subjunctive	conditional
Type 3	Impossible / Past	Didn't happen	Si + pluperfect subjunctive	conditional perfect

In this lesson: We will master Type 1 and introduce the concept of Type 2. Types 2 and 3 require the subjunctive mood, which is covered in more advanced courses.

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Type 1: Real / Possible Conditions

These express situations that are realistic and possible. The condition might very well be true or become true.

Structure