Advanced Conditional Tenses: Understand and Confidently Use Advanced Conditional Tenses

Introduction

Conditional tenses are a crucial aspect of Portuguese grammar that allow us to express hypothetical or unreal situations. In this guide, we will explore three advanced conditional tenses: the conditional present (futuro do pretérito), conditional past (condicional passado), and the future subjunctive (futuro do subjuntivo). By understanding and applying these tenses correctly, you will enhance your ability to express complex ideas and thoughts in Portuguese.

1. Conditional Present (Futuro do Pretérito)

The conditional present tense is used to express hypothetical actions or events that might have occurred in the past. It conveys a sense of uncertainty or possibility. To form the conditional present, follow these steps:

1. Take the infinitive form of the verb.
2. Add the respective conditional present endings: -ia, -ias, -ia, -íamos, -íeis, -iam.

Example:

• Eu falaria com você se tivesse tempo. (I would talk to you if I had time.)

2. Conditional Past (Condicional Passado)

The conditional past tense is used to convey hypothetical actions or events that might have taken place in the past. It is often used to express regrets or wishes regarding past situations. To form the conditional past, follow these steps:

1. Take the infinitive form of the verb.
2. Add the respective conditional past endings: -ia, -ias, -ia, -íamos, -íeis, -iam.
3. The regular conjugation of the verb 'ter' (to have) is used as an auxiliary verb.

Example:

• Eu teria ido ao concerto se soubesse que haveria bilhetes disponíveis. (I would have gone to the concert if I had known there would be tickets available.)

3. Future Subjunctive (Futuro do Subjuntivo)

The future subjunctive is a compound tense used to express uncertainty or hypothetical actions in the future. It is commonly used in formal or literary contexts. To form the future subjunctive, follow these steps:

1. Take the third person plural of the verb in the preterite indicative tense.
2. Remove the ending -ram.
3. Add the respective future subjunctive endings: -r, -res, -r, -rmos, -rdes, -rem.

Example:

• Quando eu tiver dinheiro, comprarei uma casa nova. (When I have money, I will buy a new house.)

Summary

To summarize, here are the key points to remember about advanced conditional tenses in Portuguese:

• The conditional present (futuro do pretérito) is used to express hypothetical actions or events that might have occurred in the past.
• The conditional past (condicional passado) is used to convey hypothetical actions or events that might have taken place in the past.
• The future subjunctive (futuro do subjuntivo) is a compound tense used to express uncertainty or hypothetical actions in the future.

By mastering these advanced conditional tenses, you will be able to express complex ideas and thoughts with confidence in Portuguese. Keep practicing and using these tenses in your conversations to reinforce your understanding and fluency.