French Grammar-'Si' clauses

'Si' clauses are sentences with one clause stating a condition or possibility, and a second naming a result which is dependent on that condition.

Si clauses are divided into types based on the likelihood of what is stated in the result clause.

1. 1st Conditional- Likely 

2. 2nd Conditional- Unlikely

3. 3rd Conditional- Impossible

The 1st conditional refers to a clause naming a likely situation and the result dependent upon it. 

In the 'si' clause it is formed with:

• Present
• Passe compose

In the result clause it is formed with:

• Present 
• Future
• Imperative

Present + Present

Used to describe an action which happens regularly and can usually be replaced with 'quand'. eg. If it rains, we don't go out- S'il pleut, nous ne sortons pas.

Present + Future

Used for events that are likely to occur. eg. If i have time, I will do it- Si j'ai le temps, je le ferai.

Present + Imperative

This construction is used to give an order, assuming that the condition is met. eg.If you have money, pay the bill - Si vous avex l'argent, payez la facture.

Passe Compose + Present/Future/Imperative-

These constructions work similarly to those above, with the only difference being that the 'si' clause is in the passe compose. eg.If you have finished, you can leave.

This describes something that is contrary to present fact or unlikely to occur- It would happen, if something else happened.

The 'si' clause is formed with:

• imperfect

The result clause is formed with:

• conditional

eg. If i had the time, I would do it- Si j'avais le temps, je le ferais

(Fact: I don't have time but if i did- contrary to fact- I would)

This describes something expressing a hypothetical situation that is contary to past fact- Something that would have happened if something else had happened.

The 'si' clause is formed with:

• pluperfect

The result clause is formed with:

• conditional perfect

eg. If i had had the time, I would have done it. Si j'avais eu le temps, je l'aurais fait.

(I didn't have the time, so I didn't do it)