Comparing with the use of "Si ..."

David M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Comparing with the use of "Si ..."

I find it interesting [and useful] that in the constructions described here, the *Present* Subjunctive is allowed - whereas we can never put a Present Subjunctive immediately after a "Si ...  " > (It usually has to be an *Imperfect* Subjunctive; or perhaps a Pluperfect one?) ... Perhaps we can say that the events in this lesson are more likely to happen than those in a "Si + Imperf. Subj." clause?

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola David,

true, it is not possible to use the present subjunctive after the conditional "si" in Spanish, whilst you can in other conditional conjunctions like "siempre que/a condición de que/mientras que". I don't think there is any difference in terms of expressing a more or less likely to happen idea. It is a rule that might come from some very old linguistic change but I am not aware of it. It'd be interesting to find out.

Saludos

Inma

David M. asked:

Comparing with the use of "Si ..."

I find it interesting [and useful] that in the constructions described here, the *Present* Subjunctive is allowed - whereas we can never put a Present Subjunctive immediately after a "Si ...  " > (It usually has to be an *Imperfect* Subjunctive; or perhaps a Pluperfect one?) ... Perhaps we can say that the events in this lesson are more likely to happen than those in a "Si + Imperf. Subj." clause?

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