Conditional period type 1
Develop real and unreal choices through a focused grammar itinerary.
Conditional period type 1
Use a real conditional when the condition is possible. The se-clause takes the indicative present or future; the result can use the present, future, or imperative. «Se hai tempo, chiamami» gives an instruction. «Se arriverà tardi, prenderà un taxi» predicts a possible result. Do not put the present conditional after se in this pattern.
- Se hai tempo, chiamami stasera.· If you have time, call me tonight.
- Se arriverà tardi, prenderà un taxi.· If he arrives late, he will take a taxi.
- Se piove, restiamo a casa.· If it rains, we stay at home.
- Se finisci presto, possiamo uscire.· If you finish early, we can go out.
Possible and hypothetical conditions
Compare «Se ho tempo, vengo» with «Se avessi tempo, verrei». The first condition is open and possible; the second imagines a different situation. For a real future plan, check the se-clause first, then state the result clearly. «A condizione che» is a different connector and normally takes the subjunctive; it does not change the se-rule.
- Se ho tempo, vengo con voi.· If I have time, I will come with you.
- Se avessi tempo, verrei con voi.· If I had time, I would come with you.
- Se troviamo i biglietti, partiamo domani.· If we find the tickets, we will leave tomorrow.
- Se il museo è aperto, visitalo.· If the museum is open, visit it.
A real choice in Pontechiaro
Apply the real-condition pattern to a fictional council decision. If the council selects one project, it must still check cost and accessibility. The project has not been approved. Present indicative after se can pair with a future result; future indicative after se is also possible in Italian. Do not use the present conditional immediately after se for this possible choice.
- Se il consiglio sceglie la biblioteca, controllerà gli accessi serali.· If the council chooses the library, it will check evening visits.
- Se finanzierà le fermate, verificherà l'accessibilità.· If it funds the stops, it will check accessibility.
- Se arrivano preventivi aggiornati, possiamo confrontare i costi.· If updated quotes arrive, we can compare costs.
- Se mancano i dati, rinviamo il voto.· If the data is missing, we postpone the vote.