?El condicional simple o el condicional perfecto?

Question

The Kwiziq Spanish Tense Names master sheet I downloaded 8/6/2024 defines El Condicional Simple as "expresses a hypothetical action that would or might happen in the future".  El Condicional Perfecto is defined as "Expresses an action that would have or might have happened in the past".  Are these definitions correct?  
The item "Abuelos ...... muchas patatas en aquel entonces" is given the hint that the speaker is expressing probability about what happened in the past.  The correct action is given as comerían, el condicional simple.
If the master sheet has been updated, where might I find it?  
Thank you,
 
Sheila Dickson

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Sheila D.
Thank you for your thoughtful question.
Yes, the definitions you mentioned from the master sheet are correct. The Condicional Simple is used to express a hypothetical action that would or might happen in the future, while the Condicional Perfecto is used to talk about an action that would have or might have happened in the past.
Regarding the example you referred to, "Los abuelos comerían muchas patatas en aquel entonces", the use of the Condicional Simple here is also correct. This is an advanced usage, typically at a C1 level, where the conditional can be used not only to express future hypotheticals but also to narrate past events or express probability about the past. In this context, it suggests speculation about what likely happened in the past, which is why "comerían" fits the intended meaning.
Please rest assured that the master sheet has not changed in this regard and the content remains accurate. Let us know if you have any further questions!
Saludos
Silvia