Lesson 40 ª


 

 

 

 

 

   
 Conditional Sentences


  • In French, there are different types of conditional sentences, depending on the probability of the main action. In this lesson, we are going to look at the three different types.


  • A) When it is probably that the main action will be carried out. In this case, the verb which indicates the conditon goes in the present simple and the main verb goes in the future.


  • Si j'étudie, je réussirai les examens If I study I will pass the exams (I can study and then pass the exams)
     
    S' il est ici, il viendra avec nous If he is here, he will come with us (maybe he is here and therefore can come with us)


  • B) When the possibility of the main action happening is reduced. In this case the verb that indicates the condition goes in the imperfect and the main verb goes in the present conditional.


  • Si j'étudiais, je réussirais les examens If I studied, I would pass the exams (as I don't study, the probability that I pass the exams is reduced)
     
    S' il était ici, il viendrait avec nous If he were here, he would come with us (but it is more than likely that he is not here and therefore he can't come with us)


  • C) When there is NO possibility of the main action happening. The verb that indicates the condition goes in the past perfect and the main verb goes in the past conditional.


  • Si j'avais étudié, j'aurais réussi les examens If I had studied, I would have passed the exams (but I didn't so I failed )
     
    S' il avait été ici, il serait venu avec nous If he had been here, he would have come with us (but he wasn't here, so he couldn't come with us)




    VOCABULARY

    les délits

    Robbery Vol (m) Slander Calomnie (f)
    Robbery Larcin (m) Thief Voleur (m)
    Homicide Homicide (m) Detective Détective (m)
    Murder Assassinat (m) To acquit Absoudre
    Kidnapping Rapt (m) Appeal Appel (m)
    Rape Violation (f) Jail Geôle (f)
    To catch Cacher Cell Cellule (f)
    Condenm Condamnation (f) Attempt Attentat (m)
    Prision Prison (f) Vandalism Vandalisme (m)
    Rip off Escroquerie (f) Smuggling Contrebande (f)
    Blackmail Chantage (m) Fraudster Escroc (m)