If clauses …
There are 2 types of if clauses…
1. Those that represent a probable situation that is likely to happen or that represent a habitual action
Si estudio, recibiré una “A”. (this could happen)
2. Those that represent situations hypothetical or contrary to the fact
Si estuviera en México, visitaría las ruinas mayas. ( hypothetical)
FORMULAS
Si + present indicative, future OR present. (= probable or habitual)
Si tengo tiempo, iré al cine contigo.
If I have time, I’ll go to the movies with you. (probable.)
Si ella toma buenos apuntes, saca buenas notas.
If she takes good notes, she gets good grades. (habitual)
Si + past subjunctive, conditional. (= hypothetical/contrary to the fact)
Si yo fuera Laura, no iría a Colombia.
If I were Laura, I wouldn’t go to Colombia.
(contrary to the fact, because I’m not Laura)
** To express hypothetical, contrary to the fact situations about the past use:
Si + pluperfect subjunctive, conditional perfect (= hypothetical/contrary to the fact)
Si yo hubiera vivido en el siglo XV, habría sido muy pobre.
If I had lived in the 15th century, I would have been very poor.
