Few lessons back, we went over the subjunctive-conditional if-clause combination. Over the next few lessons, we will revisit this type of hypothetical construction and explore its relationship with various tenses and moods. In this episode, however, we will explain how and when to use the hypothetical construction focused on reality and actuality. In other words, an if-clause can also be used to express the realistic (although hypothetical) outcome of a situation:
Though the situation is hypothetical, the outcome (i brufoli) of the imagined action (mangiare della cioccolata ogni giorno) is realistic (and, in this case, one can imply that the speaker has had this experience in the past).
The example above shows us a hypothetical construction with both verbs in the present indicative, though this is not the only possible combination:
Here are some examples that explore these other sets of combinations:
By following the table above, one can create sentences that combine these different sets of tenses. To effectively develop a hypothetical construction focused on reality, we need to keep in mind when the actions in both clauses take place (past? present? future?) and whether the action expressed in the independent clause is a command.
The action expressed in the independent clause is the result of a set of circumstances taking place in the dependent se-clause. The main clause, however, does not necessarily come after the se-clause.
| Se mangio della cioccolata ogni giorno, mi vengono i brufoli. If I eat chocolate every day, I will get pimples. |
Though the situation is hypothetical, the outcome (i brufoli) of the imagined action (mangiare della cioccolata ogni giorno) is realistic (and, in this case, one can imply that the speaker has had this experience in the past).
The example above shows us a hypothetical construction with both verbs in the present indicative, though this is not the only possible combination:
Dependent Clause | Independent Clause |
| Se + Present/Past/Future Indicative | Present/Past/Future Indicative Imperative |
Here are some examples that explore these other sets of combinations:
| Se ti piace questo libro, te lo comprerò. If you like this book, I'll buy it for you. (Present Indicative & Future Indicative) Se domani arriverai in ritardo alla riunione, dovrai entrare dall’altra parte dell’aula. If you will be late to tomorrow’s meeting, you will have to come in from the other side of the classroom. (Future Indicative & Future Indicative) Se abbiamo fatto un errore, il professore lo correggerà. If we made a mistake, the professor will correct it. (Past Indicative & Future Indicative) Se Marco ci ha già portato qualcosa da mangiare, te lo faccio sapere. If Marco has already brought us something to eat, I’ll let you know. (Past Indicative & Present Indicative) Se sei disidratato, bevi dell’acqua! If you’re dehydrated, drink some water! (Present Indicative & Imperative) Se avete cambiato idea rispetto ai programmi per stasera, fatelo sapere a Maria. If you have changed your mind about tonight’s plans, let Maria know. (Past Indicative & Imperative) |
By following the table above, one can create sentences that combine these different sets of tenses. To effectively develop a hypothetical construction focused on reality, we need to keep in mind when the actions in both clauses take place (past? present? future?) and whether the action expressed in the independent clause is a command.
The action expressed in the independent clause is the result of a set of circumstances taking place in the dependent se-clause. The main clause, however, does not necessarily come after the se-clause.