How do you form conditional sentences (periodo ipotetico) in Italian?

In Italian there are 3 different types of conditional clauses, called 'periodo ipotetico'. The 1st type express a real condition, a fact, something about which we are sure of the consequences. It is formed by using present or future indicative in both the protasis (if clause) and the apodosis (principal clause). If the present indicative is used in the protasis, in the apodosis it is possible to use both present or future, as well as the imperative. The 2nd type expresses possibility in the present. It is formed using the imperfect subjunctive in the protasis and the present conditional in the apodosis: Se lui mangiasse meno, sarebbe meglio (if he ate less, it would be better). The third type expresses impossibility, an unreal situation in the past. It is formed by using pluperfect subjunctive in the protasis and past conditional in the apodosis.

Answered by Chiara D. Italian tutor

4221 Views

See similar Italian IB tutors

Related Italian IB answers

All answers ▸

What features are most important when writing a letter? (IB Paper 2 Italian)


When is the congiuntivo used? What is an easy way to remember the conjugation?


How should I tackle an essay question based on an extract to achieve top marks?


Da chi e' composta la tua famiglia? (who is in your family?)


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences