When using the de + infinitive construction, does the tense used in the main clause indicate the level of probability? Eg present = possible, future = less possible, conditional = very unlikely/impossible?
When is use of de + infinitive preferable to using the conditional si construction?
Hola Claire,
de + infinitive clauses are more neutral than "si" clauses; the level of probability in sentences using De + infinitive is not related to the tense used in the main clause; they simply indicate the time when these actions happen (if the condition is fulfilled)
De saber que venías, habría hecho más comida.
If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared more food.
De comprar esa casa, pediré un préstamo al banco.
If I buy that house, I will ask the bank for a loan.
De ser verdad, la economía va en declive.
If it is true, the enonomy is declining.
These sentences are using different tenses in their main clause, one of them indicating something would have happened in the past, one indicating something will happen in the future (if the condition is fulfilled), and one indicating something is happening in the present (if the condition is fulfilled.
Saludos,
Inma
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