Conditional Sentences — If Clauses
Spanish subjunctive in si-clauses doesn't transfer to English
Category: Conditionals
The Rule
First conditional: If + present, will + base. Second: If + past simple, would + base. Third: If + past perfect, would have + p.p. NEVER 'If + would'.
Why This Matters
Spanish: 'Si tuviera dinero, compraría...' (subjunctive + conditional). English: 'If I had money, I would buy...' (past simple + would). Spanish speakers try to use 'would' in the if-clause because Spanish uses conditional forms there too.
Examples
• If I have time, I will call you. — "Si tengo tiempo, te llamaré." [First conditional: if + present, will + verb] • If I had more money, I would travel. — "Si tuviera más dinero, viajaría." [Second: if + past, would + verb] • If she had studied, she would have passed. — "Si hubiera estudiado, habría aprobado." [Third: if + past perfect, would have + p.p.]
Common Mistakes
❌ If I would have money, I would buy a car. ✅ If I had money, I would buy a car. → NEVER use 'would' in the if-clause. 'Would' goes in the RESULT clause only. ❌ If I will have time, I call you. ✅ If I have time, I will call you. → Don't use 'will' in the if-clause. Use present tense, even for future meaning.
Quick Tip
English if-clause rule: NEVER use 'will' or 'would' after 'if' (except for polite requests: 'if you would please...'). The if-clause uses a tense one step back from reality.
English if-clause rule: NEVER use 'will' or 'would' after 'if' (except for polite requests: 'if you would please...'). The if-clause uses a tense one step back from reality.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: If I would have money, I would buy a car. → Correct: If I had money, I would buy a car.. NEVER use 'would' in the if-clause. 'Would' goes in the RESULT clause only.
Incorrect: If I will have time, I call you. → Correct: If I have time, I will call you.. Don't use 'will' in the if-clause. Use present tense, even for future meaning.
Quiz
Complete: 'If she ___ earlier, she wouldn't be late.'