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Learn how to use if + present tense followed by a command/request/advice in Spanish
To express a command/request/advice that depends on a condition, we use this structure with the conjunction si:
Si (if) + condition in El Presente, ... affirmative or negative command/request/advice.
Have a look and listen to these examples with affirmative commands/requests/advice in the main clause:
Si ves a Juan, dile que venga.If you see Juan, tell him to come.
Si cocinas esta noche, ponte el delantal.If you cook this evening, put the apron on.
Si estudias español, compra un buen diccionario.If you study Spanish, buy a good dictionary.
Si vosotros salís, cerrad la puerta.If you go out, lock the door.
The condition is introduced by si and the command/request/advice is expressed in El Imperativo.
Have a look and listen to these examples with negative commands/requests/advice in the main clause:
Si bebes, no conduzcas.Don't drink and drive. (lit: If you drink, don't drive.)
Si vas a la playa, no tomes el sol demasiado.If you go to the beach, don't sunbathe for too long.
Here, the negative command/request/advice is expressed in El Presente de Subjuntivo.
The introductory clause with si (if) expresses the condition for the action in the main clause to be met.
The use of deber/tener que in El Condicional Simple:
Bear in mind that we sometimes combine si + El Presente, deber/tener que in El Condicional; this is also often expressing advice.
See some examples:
Si te gustan esos pendientes, deberías comprarlos.If you like those earrings, you should buy them.
Si ellos son los responsables, deberían pagar.If they are responsible, they should pay.
Si quieres este trabajo, tendrías que llevar este uniforme todos los días.If you want this job, you'd have to wear this uniform everyday.
Si cambian la fecha del examen, tendrían que avisar con tiempo.If they change the date of the exam, they'd have to warn [us] in time.
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