The conditional Dr Silvestri Uses same base as
The conditional Dr. Silvestri
Uses same base as future simple regulars and irregulars. For regular verbs is entire infinitive. • The conditional endings are -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient (These are also the imperfect endings).
Uses • The French conditional is mainly used in if. . . then constructs. It expresses the idea that if this were to happen, then that would be the result. • While French uses the word si in the "if" or condition clause, it does not use a term for "then" in the result clause. The conditional verb itself is used in the result (then) clause, while only four other tenses are permitted in the si clause: présent, passé composé, imparfait, and plus-que-parfait. • Il mangerait s'il avait faim. - He would eat if he were hungry. • Si nous étudiions, nous serions plus intelligents. - If we studied, (then) we would be smarter. • Il mangerait avec nous si nous l'invitions. - He would eat with us if we invited him.
Special notes for certain verbs • The verb vouloir (to want) is used in the conditional to express a polite request: • Je voudrais une pomme. - I would like an apple. • Je voudrais y aller avec vous. - I would like to go with you. • However, you can't say "si vous voudriez" to mean "if you would like, " because the French conditional can never be used after si. You would say “si vous voulez” • The verb aimer (to like, love) is used to express a polite desire, sometimes one that cannot be fulfilled: • J'aimerais bien le voir ! - I would really like to see it! • J'aimerais y aller, mais je dois travailler. - I would like to go, but I have to work.
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