Le Conditionnel

The Conditionnel is used to refer to hypothetical events. It occurs in polite requests and most frequently with if clauses. In French, it is called le conditionnel and is most often translated by would in English.

 

Formation:
This is another simple verb form to learn in French! 

One, it is a simple tense (the verb consists of one word). 

Two, the endings are the same as those used for imparfait. 

Three, the Conditionnel stem is the Future stem! 

 

The Conditionnel tense is formed as follows:

 

 

è    All verbs have the same set of endings in the Conditionnel and they are the same as the imparfait

 

Uses:

The simple Conditionnel is used to refer to hypothetical events.  It expresses what might happen, or what would happen if certain conditions existed. 

The French Conditionnel tense is generally translated into English with the modal auxiliary 'would.'

ü      wishes or requests

The Conditionnel is used to express a wish or a suggestion, to make a request, or to accept or extend invitations. It is less direct and more polite than the imperative. The verbs 'pouvoir', 'vouloir', and 'devoir' are often found in the Conditionnel to “soften” a command.  In most cases, the Conditionnel is translated as meaning would in English. However, je pourrais means 'I could', je devrais means 'I should' and je voudrais means 'I would like'.

Exemples

--Bonsoir, mesdames et messieurs.  Aimeriez-vous une boisson avec votre dîner?

--Oui, pourrions-nous avoir deux Oranginas et un Perrier?

--Moi, je devrais boire de l’eau, mais je voudrais un Coca, s’il vous plaît.

ü      hypothetical action

The Conditionnel is used when making statements that are contrary to present facts. It expresses a hypothethical result that depends on (stated or implied) circumstances which do not exist. In order for the action expressed by the Conditionnel to occur, something else must take place first. Note that the condition in the si (or if) clause is always stated in the Imparfait.

Exemples

Si j’avais un million dollars, je ferais une croisière aux îles grecques.

Si tu étais un lion, tu mangerais des renards qui donnent trop de devoirs!

 

ü      possibility or uncertainty

The conditional is also used to give information whose accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Journalists often use it to report events that are not known to be true.

Exemples

Il m’a dit qu’il apporterait les photos demain.

Les attaques terroristes à Madrid seraient le travail d’Al-Qaeida.