Choosing the correct tense after si
To express possible or probable conditions, we often resort to si (if) clauses.
Si Marcel veut réussir sa mission, il doit suivre les instructions de son patron. If Marcel wants to complete his mission, he must follow his manager's instructions.
Si les extraterrestres étaient allés sur une autre planète, ils n’auraient pas connu Victor. If the aliens had gone to another planet, they would never have known Victor.
Si les extraterrestres étaient allés sur une autre planète, ils n’auraient pas connu Victor. If the aliens had gone to another planet, they would never have known Victor.
Expressions using si must respect the correct sequence of tenses:
• To express a likelihood occurring: Si + 1st verb in present tense → 2nd verb in present, future, or imperative
• To express hypothetical or uncertain actions occurring: Si + 1st verb in imperfect → 2nd verb in conditional.
Note: The structure Si + 1st verb in imperfect → 2nd verb in conditional is used to give advice. This similar in usage to 'If I were you...'.
Si j’étais vous, je ne fumerais pas. If I were you, I wouldn't smoke.
Si j’étais toi, je me reposerais. If I were you, I would rest.
Si j’étais toi, je me reposerais. If I were you, I would rest.
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