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What is a conditional sentence?Any sentence that uses the word “if” in

English (“si” in Latin) is a CONDITIONAL SENTENCE.

A conditional sentence is one in which the first half of the sentence affects the veracity (truthiness) of the second half.

EXAMPLE:If I study I will get an “A” on the test

The Two HalvesConditional Sentences are always made up of

at least two parts (clauses):The “if” clause of the sentence is called the

PROTASISThe “then” clause of the sentence is called

the APODASISRealize that the protasis is not always the

first clause.

Conditional Sentences in LatinIn Latin we categorize conditional sentences

based on the TENSE and the MOOD of the protasis/apodasis.

Latin Conditional Sentences fall into two basic types: GENERAL (aka simple) and CONTRAFACTUAL (aka contrary-to-fact)

The tenses of Latin conditional sentence are straightforward: present, past, and future

GENERAL vs CONTRAFACTUALThe two major types of conditional sentences

reflect the MOOD of the verb in each clause.GENERAL conditionals are in the

INDICATIVE MOODCONTRAFACTUAL conditionals are in the

SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD

GENERAL conditionsGENERAL conditional statements are made

when the relationship between the PROTASIS and the APODASIS generally seems to be true:If I study I earn an AIf I have been studying I have earned an AIf I study I will earn an A

Because GENERAL conditionals are inherently true they operate in the INDICATIVE MOOD

CONTRAFACTUAL conditionsCONTRAFACTUAL conditional statements

happen when the PROTASIS does not seem to be true (making the APODASIS potentially false as well).If I were studying I would earn an AIf I had studied I would have earned an AIf I should study I would earn an A

Because CONTRAFACTUAL statements are inherently untrue they all operate in the SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD

PRESENT CONTRAFACTUALImperfect subjunctive imperfect subjunctiveSi dure studerem, bene faceremIf I were studying hard (but I’m not…I’m watching Sparticus for the 15th time…) I would be doing well

These use an IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE in both clauses.NOTA BENE: Impf subjunctive = 2nd pp +

personal endings

PERFECT CONTRAFACTUALPluperfect subjunctive Pluperfect

subjunctiveSi dure studuissem, bene fecissemIf I had studied I would have done wellThese use a pluperfect subjunctive for both

clausesNota Bene: pluperfect subjunctive = 3rd pp

+isse + personal endings

FUTURE CONTRAFACTUALMore commonly known as FUTURE LESS

VIVIDAlso known as should-wouldPresent subjunctive Present subjunctiveSi dure studeam, bene faciamIf I should study hard I would do wellNOTA BENE: present subjunctive = 1st pp +

wE bEAt A lIAr + personal endings

Condition type Verb in conditional clause (protasis)

Verb in main clause (apodosis)

Simple fact—present Present indicative Present indicative

Simple fact—past Imperf/perfect indicative

Imperf/perfect indicative

Simple fact—future a.k.a future more vivid

Present/future indicative

Future indicative

Contrary to fact—present Impf subjunctive Impf subjunctive

Contrary to fact – perfect Pluperfect subjunctive Pluperfect Subjunctive

Contrary to fact – future a.k.a. future less vivid

Present subjunctive Present subjunctive

EXAMPLES FROM DBM 5.29Si nihil esset durius, nullo cum periculo ad

proximam legionem perventuros (esse)If nothing were difficult then they would come to

the nearest legion with no dangerSi Gallia omnis cum Germanis consentiret, unam

esse in celeritate positam salutemIf Gaul were agreeing with all of Germany, the

one safety would be placed in speed.NOTA BENE: both these examples use IMPERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE in the PROTASIS and are examples of PRESENT CONTRAFACTUAL

Strategies to help you remember…Recognize the patterns for subjunctives:

Present subjunctive = We beat a liar

Imperfect subjunctive = Infinitive form + personal endings

Pluperfect subjunctive = 3rd part + isse + personal ending

It seems odd that the Contrary to Fact—Present uses imperfect? Think about how we say it in English: If I were on vacation right now (but I’m not, I’m here

teaching Latin), I would be swimming and getting a tan.

We use the imperfect, too!