2. Simple Fact Conditions
• Conditional clauses are introduced by si (‘if’) or nisi (“unless/if . . .
not”)
• Simple fact are the simplest: use the indicative in both parts of the
condition
si hoc dicis, erras
si hoc fecisti, stultus eras.
3. Contrary to fact
• These conditions suggest that they main clause is untrue.
• Latin uses the subjunctive in both clauses; English uses
‘would/should’ in the main clause
• Imperfect subjunctive is for present time, pluperfect for past time
si pater noster adesset, nos adiuuaret.
si hoc fecisses, stultus fuisses.
4. Future more vivid
• These use the indicative in both clauses
• Latin prefers the future perfect in the conditional clause, but English
prefers the present
si domum reueneris, omnia tibi narrabo.
5. Future less vivid
• This condition is improbable
• Latin uses the present subjunctive in both clauses; English uses ‘were’
in the condition and ‘would/should’ in the main clause
si domum reuenias, omnia tibi narrem.
6. Exercise 26.2 #1-3
1. nisi Pompeius cum Sexto Pompeio militauisset, iamdudum in
Italiam rediisset.
2. si Pompeius tandem reierit, omnes gaudebimus.
3. si Octauianum ueniam regauisses, ille tibi ignouisset.
7. Exercise Translations
26.2.1: If Pompeius had not served with Sextus Pompeius, he would
have returned long ago to Italy.
26.2.2: If Pompeius returns at last, we will all rejoice.
26.2.3: If you had asked Octavian for a pardon, he would have
pardoned you.
