| 9.3.3 Use of French conditional |
In English we have a conditional that is formed with a modal verb (would/should), in French it is an own form. The use of both is quite similar.
| Use of French conditional | |
| 1) in the "consequence"-part of a conditional clause expressing something not (yet) real | |
 |
Si j' avais
de l' argent, je m' achèterais une voiture. If I had money, I would buy a car. |
| 2) in the situation of looking from a past point of view into the future | |
|
Je pensais qu' il viendrait. I thought, he would come. |
| 3) to express politeness | |
|
Je voudrais parler à Monsieur Gide. I would like to talk to Mr. Gide. |
| 4) if the condition is not said aloud | |
|
Moi, je lui dirais ce qui s' est passé (si j' étais à ta place.) I would tell him, what happened (if I was in your place). |
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