This week, we will focus on conditional subordinate conjunctions. Like their label suggests, these conjunctions highlight the conditions necessary for an event to take place. In other words, the subordinate clause--which contains one of our conditional subordinate conjunctions--is hypothetical. Here is our conjunction set of the week, followed by an example:
se = if
purché = as long as, provided that
qualora = in case, if
a condizione che = on (the) condition that, provided that
a patto che = on (the) condition that, provided that
nel caso/nel caso che = (just) in case, in the event that
casomai (or caso mai) = (just) in case, in the event that
In the example above, the speaker states that Fabio can still collaborate with them if he applies himself more. If this (hypothetical) situation does not occur, and Fabio does not commit more to the project, it is implied that he will not be allowed to collaborate. A patto che and a condizione che are synonymous.
Let’s take a look at another example:
The statement above shows us how a conditional subordinate conjunction (in this case, purché) emphasizes the conditions needed for whatever is stated in the main clause to take place. Here, the speaker explicitly states that “they” can come along if and only if they contribute money, a hypothetical compromise introduced by purché.
With the exception of se, these conditional subordinate conjunctions always trigger the subjunctive mood from the verb that follows, as our two examples so far have shown us. Se triggers the subjunctive only in an unlikely or impossible hypothetical statement that requires the imperfect subjunctive or the past perfect subjunctive in the subordinate clause, and a verb in the conditional in the main clause. (Refer to Lessons 124 and 125 to refresh your memory on these types of constructions.):
At times, though, se does not trigger the subjunctive, as we have gone over in Lesson 123. Although in these clauses the situation is still hypothetical, the outcome of the imagined action is realistic/likely to happen, and therefore does not trigger the subjunctive mood:
Qualora normally means in case or if:
Nel caso (che) and casomai both translate to the English in the event that/(just) in case and are interchangeable, although casomai is typical of informal style:
se = if
purché = as long as, provided that
qualora = in case, if
a condizione che = on (the) condition that, provided that
a patto che = on (the) condition that, provided that
nel caso/nel caso che = (just) in case, in the event that
casomai (or caso mai) = (just) in case, in the event that
| Fabio può ancora collaborare con noi, a patto che si impegni di più. Fabio can still collaborate with us, provided that he works harder. |
In the example above, the speaker states that Fabio can still collaborate with them if he applies himself more. If this (hypothetical) situation does not occur, and Fabio does not commit more to the project, it is implied that he will not be allowed to collaborate. A patto che and a condizione che are synonymous.
Let’s take a look at another example:
| Loro possono venire con noi, purché ci diano dei soldi per la benzina. They can come with us, provided that they give us some money for gas. |
The statement above shows us how a conditional subordinate conjunction (in this case, purché) emphasizes the conditions needed for whatever is stated in the main clause to take place. Here, the speaker explicitly states that “they” can come along if and only if they contribute money, a hypothetical compromise introduced by purché.
With the exception of se, these conditional subordinate conjunctions always trigger the subjunctive mood from the verb that follows, as our two examples so far have shown us. Se triggers the subjunctive only in an unlikely or impossible hypothetical statement that requires the imperfect subjunctive or the past perfect subjunctive in the subordinate clause, and a verb in the conditional in the main clause. (Refer to Lessons 124 and 125 to refresh your memory on these types of constructions.):
| Se avessi tempo, mi piacerebbe fare un viaggio. If I had time, I’d like to go on a trip. |
At times, though, se does not trigger the subjunctive, as we have gone over in Lesson 123. Although in these clauses the situation is still hypothetical, the outcome of the imagined action is realistic/likely to happen, and therefore does not trigger the subjunctive mood:
| Se avete bisogno di me, chiamatemi. If you need me, call me. |
Qualora normally means in case or if:
| Qualora volessi un po’ di compagnia, telefonami. In case you want some company, call me. |
Nel caso (che) and casomai both translate to the English in the event that/(just) in case and are interchangeable, although casomai is typical of informal style:
| Lasciami qualcosa da mangiare, casomai (io) arrivi a casa prima di te. Leave me something to eat, in the event that I get home before you do. Nel caso (che) siate interessati a partecipare alla conferenza, vi preghiamo di contattare il nostro ufficio stampa. In case you are interested in attending the conference, please contact our press office. |