Ciao studenti di tutto il mondo!
In this article, we will climb a mountain that seems insurmountable but with the right information and examples, we will make it to the top. Be sure to read to the end to discover the secret of how I learned to distinguish between the two.
Il congiuntivo, questo sconosciuto! (The subjunctive, this unknown!)
We've all heard this phrase at least once, if only to laugh and joke; or maybe, if we haven't heard it, we've thought of it, when we've sat next to the loud-talking burghers on the subway or when, at the supermarket, we've been confronted by a tired, unkempt couple dragging their carts and meanwhile arguing over what there was to put in them. Not to mention the gym...
In reality, however, those who observe (or, rather, listen) carefully to what is happening in the current Italian language notice a whole other phenomenon: speakers, even those with little warning and a low level of schooling, are using the subjunctive more and more often (perhaps precisely out of fear of not knowing how to use it), even when they don't have to, with the effect of appearing confused and unprepared anyway regarding the use of this mode of the verb that pairs with the conditional.
The most common errors, in fact, lurk in what the Latins called the consecutio temporum, especially when considered in light of the hypothetical period-that is the construct (made up of a main and a subordinate proposition) that, precisely, frequently requires the coordinated and non-random use of a subjunctive and a conditional.
Let us turn to the explanation
Everyone knows that subjunctive and conditional are two different verbal modes of the Italian language, but many people often make mistakes in using them, confusing them, and reversing them. The problem seems to be this: when should you use the subjunctive and when the conditional? Here is a mini-guide to follow so that you will never make a mistake again!
First of all, we need to keep in mind this nuance of meaning: we use the subjunctive when we want to express an action that indicates an event that is not certain, that is, possible. The conditional, on the other hand, when we are talking about an action that is yes uncertain, but will definitely happen in the presence of a certain condition.
Example: If you let me go, I would arrive on time. The subjunctive "you would let me go" (se mi lasciassi andare) indicates an action that is not certain since it does not depend on the subject but on external conditions (in this case, on the permission granted to go); the conditional "I would arrive," (arriverei) on the contrary, expresses an uncertain action, yes, but one that will definitely take place if the previous condition is met, that is, if the subject is allowed to go. Examples:
I hope you can arrive soon (Spero tu possa arrivare presto) (I use the subjunctive because the situation is possible but not certain).
With a thousand euros I would buy a computer (Con mille euro comprerei un computer) (I use the conditional because the compliment "with a million euros" assures me of the future purchase of the computer).
To recap: subjunctive and conditional express different conditions of doubt and uncertainty. The subjunctive is usually used in subordinate propositions to express hypotheses or doubts in cases where the subordinate is held by conjunctions such as "that," "if," "because," and "so that"; the conditional is used to indicate events and situations subordinated to conditions and after hypothetical propositions introduced by "if + subjunctive."
To better understand the difference between the subjunctive and the conditional, it is also worth considering the most frequent cases of the use of these two verb modes.
Subjunctive: when is it used?
In a time of uncertainty and doubt, the subjunctive also expresses a fact presented as possible, a hypothesis, a thought, desired or feared fact.
In very rare cases it can be used in main (independent) propositions, as is the case in the following cases:
order, invitation, or exhortation (present subjunctive), addressed to a person with whom one has formal relations.
desire that is deemed impossible or unattainable (imperfect subjunctive).
Almost always the subjunctive is used in subordinate propositions (the subjunctive owes its proper name to the conjunctions that, generally, introduce it) e.g. with declarative propositions (after the that) when the verb of the main proposition is intended to express a personal opinion, a desire, a concern, an expectation, a probability, thus thoughts, sensations, feelings.
declarative propositions (after that) when the verb of the main proposition expresses will, need, appreciation, or preference (verbs such as: want, prefer, like, dislike, expect, need, be possible/probable/difficult/necessary).
Conditional: when is it used?
Regarding the conditional, given the general rule that it is the mode of the verb that indicates that an action actually takes place only if another action takes place, it should also be remembered that:
The present conditional (one word) is used to express an event that could happen in the present on the condition that another present one happens.
The past conditional (two words) is used to indicate an event that would have happened in the past on the condition that, again in the past, another past event happened
The conditional can be used in main (independent) propositions to express a kind wish or request, for example.
The conditional is used, on the other hand, in the hypothetical period of the second and third types, in main propositions flanked by a hypothetical subordinate proposition where the subjunctive appears. Let us consider, again, the concordances between the modes and tenses of the verbs of both propositions.
Now try to give an example for each way of using the two verbal tenses :)
And finally here is my secret: I learned that the subjunctive always goes with "if" and it rhymes with many verbal voices of the same (SE stesSE, SE facesSE, sSE dicesSE and so on)... so as a child, I used to repeat like a nursery rhyme this little trick in my head so that I would never make a mistake again.
Remember that learning Italian is a lifelong journey and surely an article will not solve everything, but I hope I have walked together a few small steps of this adventure.
Talk to you in July, best regards to all.
Ciaooo
