I reviewed le présent du conditionnel et le passé du conditionnel this afternoon in preparation for my next conversation class. There is nothing more fun than comparing explanations from my workbooks. It is amazing how many ways a topic can be presented to students. I developed a grid to help me remember how this all fits together. (see below)Because of my extensive practices writing-out by hand the conjugations of French verbs, I have little problem with the formation and agreement of the tenses. I highly recommend getting the pain over and regularly review and practice the inflections (endings) of the verbs. This does not mean that it all comes together for me when I am speaking French, but I have a better chance of quickly retrieving the necessary agreement with my verbs.
Conditionnel du présent Reason for use : | When the main clause is in c. du présent… | The si clause is in the imparfait |
Express a wish or suggestion | Je voudrais… | |
Make a statement or polite request | Pourriez-vous…? | |
Implied condition | Je aurais… | si tu étais… |
Unconfirmed/ alleged info. English: “allegedly” or “reportedly” | Quelq’un impliquerait… | |
Passé du conditionnel Reason for use: | Usually when the main clause is in passé du conditionnel… Formed with p. du cond. of être or avoir | The si clause is in the plus-que-parfait |
Express regret or reproach | Je aurais dû… | si tu avais aidée… |
Unconfirmed/ alleged info English: “allegedly” or “reportedly” | Quelq’un serait impliqué… | |
