Introduction
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Chapter 29:  Adverbs >>


Chapter 28

Conditional Sentences

28.1        Real conditional sentences

    Conditional sentences consist of two clauses, a condition, and the result of that condition.  If the result is certain, given the condition, then the sentence is formed thus; the first clause begins with калі and states the condition.  The second clause can optionally begin with the word дык, and then states the result.

Калі ён здаровы, дык ён можа працаваць.
 If he is healthy, then he can work.
Калі ён ведаў, ён не ішоў.
 If he knew, then he did not go.

   
28.2        Hypothetical conditional sentences

    If the result is uncertain, then the particle бы (б when preceded by a vowel) must be inserted into the result clause and any indicative verb must be changed to the past tense.  If there is speculation involved, then the condition clause can also have бы added to it and the verb changed to the past tense.

Калі ён здаровы, ён мог бы працаваць.
 If he is healthy, he might be able to work.
Калі б ён быў здаровы, то мог бы працаваць.
 If he were healthy, then he might be able to work.
Калі ён ведаў, ён не пайшоў бы.
 If he knew, he might not have gone.
Калі б ён ведаў, то не пайшоў бы.
 If he had not known, he might not have gone.


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Copyright (c)  2004  Christian Cardell Marchant.
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