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

1733 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the main differences between directly and indirectly transitive verbs in French and why is it important to distinguish between them?


How do I use 'y' in French?


Quelles sont les avantages et inconveniants de l'internet?


How do you form questions in French?


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