What is the difference between the use of the conditional and the subjunctive?

The conditional is used when, if you meet certain conditions or a fact occurs:

"finiresti prima se ti impegnassi" "sarebbe più bravo se studiasse"

The subjunctive expresses uncertainty and doubt, and is introduced by WHAT. The subjunctive is needed for verbs that indicate willingness, a desire, an expectation, a fear or an opinion:

"sospetto che mi abbia mentito" "temo che si sia offeso"

AF

Related Italian A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I properly introduce myself using a formal register in Italian?


What are the auxiliary verbs in Italian? What is their function?


When should you use the present subjunctive tense


Translate the following excerpt from an art textbook (2)