G09 · Grammar

French Si Clauses (Conditionals)

Quick Reference: French Si Clauses (Conditionals)

Si clauses express condition and hypothesis. The verb tenses in the Si clause and the Main clause must follow strict combinations:

1st Conditional — Real / Likely Future

Si + Présent → Futur Simple (or Présent / Impératif)

Example: Si tu étudies, tu réussiras l'examen. (If you study, you will pass the exam.)

2nd Conditional — Unreal Present / Hypothetical

Si + Imparfait → Conditionnel Présent

Example: Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais en France. (If I had money, I would travel to France.)

3rd Conditional — Unreal Past / Regret

Si + Plus-que-parfait → Conditionnel Passé

Example: Si tu m'avais appelé, je serais venu. (If you had called me, I would have come.)

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Summary: The 3 French Conditional Structures (Si Clauses)

In French, hypotheticals and conditionals follow strict tense combinations in Si (if) clauses depending on how real or likely the scenario is.

Condition Type	Si Clause Tense	Result Clause Tense	Example
1. Real / Possible Future	Si + Présent	Futur Simple (or Présent / Impératif)	Si tu étudies, tu réussiras l'examen.
2. Unreal Present (Hypothetical)	Si + Imparfait	Conditionnel Présent	Si j'avais de l'argent, j'achèterais une voiture.
3. Unreal Past (Regret / Counterfactual)	Si + Plus-que-parfait	Conditionnel Passé	Si tu m'avais appelé, je serais venu.

Golden Rule: Never use the future tense or conditional directly inside the Si clause itself. French learners remember: "Les 'si' n'aiment pas les '-rai'." (Incorrect: ~~Si je serai libre~~ → Correct: Si je suis libre, je viendrai.)