We can categorize conditional sentences as referring to either ‘real’ or ‘unreal’ (hypothetical) situations.
‘Unreal’ conditional sentences which refer to the present/future period are constructed using two different forms: the subjunctive imperfect and the conditional present.
Here are some examples, with English translations:
Se avessi più soldi comprerei un’auto nuova.
[If I had more money, I would buy a new car.]
Se fossi più magro, non farei una dieta così stretta.
[If I was thinner, I wouldn’t be on such a strict diet.]
Se potessi, mi trasferirei in Irlanda per lavorare.
[If I could, I’d move to Ireland to work.]
Back to Italian lesson on: unreal present
