How to Use Conditional Sentences and If-Clauses in Slovak

Understanding Conditional Sentences in Slovak

Conditional sentences, also known as if-clauses, are used to express that one action or event depends on another. In Slovak, these sentences are formed similarly to English but have unique verb forms and conjunctions that learners should understand.

Basic Structure of If-Clauses

In Slovak, conditional sentences typically consist of two parts: the if-clause (protivná veta) and the main clause (hlavná veta). The if-clause states the condition, and the main clause states the result or consequence.

The conjunction "ak" is used to mean "if" in Slovak.

Example of a Simple Conditional Sentence

Ak prší, zostanem doma.
Translation: If it rains, I will stay at home.

Types of Conditional Sentences in Slovak

Slovak conditional sentences can be categorized similarly to English into zero, first, second, and third conditionals, each expressing different degrees of reality or time frames.

Zero Conditional (General Truths)

Used to express facts or general truths that are always true when the condition is met.

Structure: ak + present tense in both clauses.

Example:
Ak voda dosiahne 100 stupňov, varí sa.
Translation: If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.

First Conditional (Real Future Possibility)

Used to talk about real and possible situations in the future.

Structure: ak + present tense in the if-clause, and future tense in the main clause.

Example:
Ak budeš študovať, zložíš skúšku.
Translation: If you study, you will pass the exam.

Second Conditional (Unreal Present or Future)

Used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.

Structure: ak + past tense in the if-clause, and conditional mood in the main clause.

Example:
Ak by som mal čas, išiel by som do kina.
Translation: If I had time, I would go to the cinema.

Third Conditional (Unreal Past)

Used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past that did not happen.

Structure: ak + past perfect in the if-clause, and conditional perfect in the main clause.

Example:
Ak by som vedel, prišiel by som skôr.
Translation: If I had known, I would have come earlier.

Forming the Conditional Mood in Slovak

The conditional mood in Slovak is formed using the auxiliary verb by combined with the past participle of the main verb.

For example, the verb ísť (to go) in conditional is išiel by som (I would go). The auxiliary verb by changes according to the person and number.

Here is the conjugation of by with the verb ísť in conditional:

• Ja by som išiel (I would go)
• Ty by si išiel (You would go)
• On/Ona by išiel/išla (He/She would go)
• My by sme išli (We would go)
• Vy by ste išli (You plural/formal would go)
• Oni by išli (They would go)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English speakers learning Slovak often make these mistakes with conditionals:

• Using the wrong tense in the if-clause
• Forgetting to use the auxiliary verb by in conditional mood
• Mixing up the forms of by according to person and number
• Omitting the conjunction ak when needed