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Hypothetical Clauses

periodo ipotetico

Type 1 (real): se + present, present/future

Likely conditions.

📊 If-clauses
Type Se-clause Result clause
real presente presente / futuro
possible imperfetto subj. condizionale
impossible (past) trapassato subj. condizionale passato
💬 Examples
Se studi, passi l'esame.
If you study, you pass the exam.
📝 se + present, present
Se piove, resto a casa.
If it rains, I'll stay home.
📝 Real condition
Type 2 (possible): se + imperfect subj., conditional

An unlikely/imaginary present.

💬 Examples
Se avessi tempo, verrei.
If I had time, I would come.
📝 imperfect subjunctive → conditional
Se fossi ricco, viaggerei.
If I were rich, I would travel.
📝 fossi (subj.) + conditional
Type 3 (impossible): se + pluperfect subj., past conditional

Contrary to a past fact.

💬 Examples
Se avessi saputo, sarei venuto.
If I had known, I would have come.
📝 trapassato congiuntivo → condizionale passato
Se fosse partita prima...
If she had left earlier...
📝 Past unreal condition