A conditional clause is one that refers to an event (often hypothetical) on
which something else depends. For example, in the sentence ‘If Jones arrives
on time we will go to the theatre’, the conditional clause ‘if Jones arrives
on time’ refers to a hypothetical event on which another possible event,
namely going to the theatre (in the main clause), is dependent.
Typically, but not always, conditional clauses are introduced by a word
meaning ‘if’, which in Spanish is si.
In Spanish, a conditional clause introduced by simay or may not require
the subjunctive mood. In general, if the event referred to in the si-clause is
contrary to fact or unlikely (what is called a ‘closed condition’), then the
subjunctive is used. If on the other hand the statement in the si-clause is
an open possibility (‘an open condition’), then the mood is indicative.Use of the subjunctive after si
Clauses requiring the pluperfect subjunctiveThis is used in the conditional clause when the condition has notbeen
fulfilled in the past, e.g. ‘If I had been rich (but I wasn’t) I would have
given you the money’. In the main clause either the conditional tense or
the conditional perfect tense is used:Si no hubieras dejado la ventana abierta la habitación no
estaría llena de mosquitos.
If you hadn’t left the window open the room wouldn’t be full of
mosquitoes.Si nos hubiera consultado, habría sido posible discutirlo con él.
If he had consulted us, it would have been possible to discuss it with him.13.1.113.1