6.2 The Conditional (Conditionnel)

Forming the conditional

The conditionnel ('would do') uses the future stem + the imparfait endings (-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient): 'parler' → je parlerais, tu parlerais, il parlerait.

Uses

The conditional expresses hypotheticals and politeness: 'Je voudrais un café' (I would like a coffee), 'On pourrait partir' (We could leave). It's softer than a direct request.

Si clauses

In 'if' sentences: Si + imparfait, ... conditionnel: 'Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais' (If I had time, I would travel).

Key terms

conditionnel

would + verb: future stem + imparfait endings

je parlerais

I would speak

Je voudrais...

I would like... (polite request)

Si clause

Si + imparfait, ... conditionnel

Uses

hypotheticals and politeness

Try an AP-style question

"Si j'avais de l'argent, je ___ un vélo."

1. achèterai
2. achèterais
3. achetais
4. achète