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French Grammar Guidebook

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Si—"if" is used in two types of phrases: when a condition is a real possibility, and when a condition is unreal. Consider the following examples:
 

CONDITION RESULT
If I have time, I'll do it. 
Implied: I'll probably have the time—it is likely that I'll do it.

 
If I had time, I'd (would) do it.
Implied: I know I don't have the time--it is unlikely that I'll do it.

 
If I were going to France, I'd be learning the language first
Implied: I am probably not going.

Notice the different tenses that are used for these two types of scenarios:

In the first case "if" is followed by the Present tense, the result clause is in the future.

In the second case "if" is followed by the past tense, the result clause is in the Conditional.

The use of si follows the English model, although the tense used in the case of conditions that are unreal is different:
 

Si j'ai le temps, je le ferai.
If I have time, I'll do it.
Si j'avais le temps, je le ferais.
If I had time, I'd do it.
Si j'allais en France, j'apprendrais d'abord le français.
If I were going to France, I'd be learning French first.

The rules in this case are quite simple:

If the condition is REAL (or more likely to occur), use the PRESENT after si and the FUTURE in the result clause. If the condition is UNREAL (or more unlikely to occur), use the IMPERFECT after si and the CONDITIONAL in the result clause.



Examples of Si Clauses

  • Si vous aviez un modèle moins cher, je l'achèterais.
  • J'irais en France cet été, si j'avais le temps.
  • Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait...
  • Avex des "si", on mettrait Paris en bouteille.