What is the 'if' clause in French and how do you form it?

In French, "if/then" constructions are called si clauses. Si clauses in French lead to conditional sentences. One clause offers a condition or possibility and a second clause names a result produced by that condition. There is no equivalent for "then" per se in French conditional sentences. Different types of ‘si’ clauses First conditional: likely situations (present + present, future, or imperative) Second conditional: unlikely situations (imperfect + conditional) Third conditional: impossible situations (pluperfect + conditional perfect) To summarise, the first verb tense listed is the one that follows ‘si’ (if), while the second tense is the result clause - the event that is dependent on the first. In English, the result clause is often preceded by then.

Answered by Saffron J. French tutor

2003 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I differentiate between the Imperfect Tense (Imparfait) and the Past Tense (Passé Composé)?


How do I make my French sound more natural and less scripted/textbook?


How should I prepare for an oral exam?


How do I know what auxiliary verb to use in the passé composé?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences