French grammar · B1
Si clauses: hypothetical sentences
A clear, example-first explanation built for CLB 6 / B1 — the level you need for TCF / TEF Canada.
Overview
Two halves: condition (si...) and result. The verb tenses pair up in fixed patterns.
Type 1: Real / likely
Si + present → present OR futur simple. (When/if X happens, Y happens/will happen.)
- Si tu étudies, tu réussis. (general truth)
- Si tu étudies, tu réussiras. (future result)
- S'il pleut, je resterai à la maison.
Type 2: Hypothetical / unlikely
Si + imparfait → conditionnel présent.
- Si j'avais de l'argent, je voyagerais.
- Si elle parlait français, elle habiterait à Paris.
⚠️ Never use futur or conditional AFTER "si"
After "si" of condition: only present or imparfait. The result clause carries the future/conditional.
- ❌ Si je serai riche... ✅ Si je suis riche...
- ❌ Si je voudrais... ✅ Si je voulais...
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