Spanish grammar: expresiones de condición

What this grammar point covers

In Spanish, 'expresiones de condición' are phrases or structures used to talk about situations that depend on something else happening. They are often used to express 'if' or 'unless' situations.

When to use it

Use these expressions when you want to talk about possible situations, plans, or consequences that depend on a condition. For example, to say what will happen if something else happens.

Key forms

• Si + presente, presente: Si estudias, aprendes.
• Si + presente, futuro: Si llueve, iremos al cine.
• Si + presente, imperativo: Si tienes tiempo, ven conmigo.
• A menos que + subjuntivo: No salgo a menos que termine mi tarea.

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use the present tense after 'si' for real or possible situations.
• Do not use the future tense right after 'si'. Use the present tense instead.
• With 'a menos que', use the subjunctive form after it.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For unreal or hypothetical conditions, Spanish uses different tenses (like 'si + imperfecto de subjuntivo, condicional'), which are more advanced.