MAR: Lesson - Grammar - Conditional Sentences

Conditional Sentences

If you've ever read any literature, then you have likely come across several sentences structured like this one. This type of sentence is called a conditional sentence because the independent clause ("then") establishes a set of consequences for a given possibility or condition in the dependent clause ("if"). We most commonly find conditional sentences structured with the dependent clause first, followed by the independent clause and because of the special nature of this type of sentence, the two parts are names:

• if clause (dependent clause): protasis
• then clause (independent clause): apodosis

Not every apodosis includes the word "then" (in fact, it is often omitted):

• If I go to the store, I will buy some eggs.

A conditional sentence, then, is a sentence discussing factual implications or hypothetical situations and their consequences.

Conditional Sentences in Latin

Understanding conditionals promotes a better understanding of the subjunctive mood. Conditional sentences of fact use the indicative mood, while conditionals which are unfulfilled possibilities use the subjunctive mood. This distinction upholds the basic difference that we've learned about when discussing verb mood. Because of this, we can say it is the mood of the verb which determines one type of conditional as factual (indicative) and the other as hypothetical or unreal (subjunctive). 

In this module, we will address the specific grammar for conditional sentences in Latin and discuss how they are developed and translated.

The Word "if" in Latin

Latin introduces most conditionals with:

• si - if
• nisi or si...non - unless, if...not
• etsi (etiam si, tametsi) - even if
• sin - but if