10.2.5

Uses of the Conditional

Test yourself

Uses of the Conditional Tense

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What should happen (recommendation)

  • Deberíamos hacer más ejercicio.
    • We should do more exercise.
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What could happen (speculation)

  • Podría ser un problema para el medioambiente.
    • It could be a problem for the environment.
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Advice

The following phrases are used when offering advice and are followed by the conditional.

  • Yo hablaría con un profesor.
    • I would talk to a teacher.
    • To offer advice you can also use 'deberías' or 'podrías':
  • Podrías comer más verduras.
    • You could eat more vegetables.
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Being polite

  • ¿Podrías ayudarme?
    • Could you help me?
  • ¿Tendrías chocolate?
    • Do you have some chocolate?
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'Si' clauses

  • When the imperfect subjunctive is used at the start of a 'si' clause, the conditional is required. (You will learn about the imperfect subjunctive later on).
    • Si tuviera más dinero, compraría una nueva casa.
      • If I had more money, I would buy a new house.

Jump to other topics

1The Basics

2Home & Abroad

3Education & Employment

4Personal Life & Relationships

5The World Around Us

6Social Activities, Fitness & Health

7Listening

8Common Tenses

9Important Verbs

10Advanced Tenses

11Extra Grammar

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