Hypothetical si clauses
Use si plus the imperfect with the conditional to describe unreal or imagined situations.
Examples
FrenchTranslation
Si j’avais plus de temps, je voyagerais davantage.
If I had more time, I would travel more.
Si nous habitions plus près, nous nous verrions souvent.
If we lived closer, we would see each other often.
Si tu connaissais toute l’histoire, tu comprendrais sa réaction.
If you knew the whole story, you would understand his reaction.
Pattern
si + imperfect, conditional
How it works
Use si plus the imperfect with the conditional to describe unreal or imagined situations. This pattern typically appears as si + imperfect, conditional and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Do not put the conditional directly after si in this common hypothetical structure.
- The conditional usually sits in the result clause.
Why it matters
Move from simple recognition into more controlled stance and hypothesis.
Use in context
This pattern is central to advanced opinion, reflection, and recommendation writing.