How to Use Conditional Sentences and If-Clauses in Tamil

Understanding Conditional Sentences in Tamil

Conditional sentences express that one action or event depends on another. In Tamil, these are often formed using specific conjunctions and verb forms to indicate the condition and result.

Basic Structure of If-Clauses in Tamil

The word for "if" in Tamil is "என்றால்" (eṉṟāl) or sometimes "ஆனால்" (āṉāl). These are used to introduce the condition part of the sentence.

A simple conditional sentence in Tamil follows this pattern:
If + condition, then + result.
For example:

Forming Conditional Sentences with "என்றால்" (eṉṟāl)

The suffix "-ஆல்" (-āl) is added to the verb stem to indicate "if" or "when" in a conditional sense. This is attached to the verb in the condition clause.

Example:
Verb: போ (pō) - to go
Condition: போனால் (pōnāl) - if (someone) goes

Using "ஆனால்" (āṉāl) to Mean "But" or "If"

While "ஆனால்" primarily means "but", it can also be used to introduce a condition similar to "if" in some contexts, especially in spoken Tamil.

Example:
நான் வருவேன், ஆனால் நீ வரவில்லை.
(I will come, but you did not come.)

Types of Conditional Sentences in Tamil

Tamil conditional sentences can be categorized similarly to English: real conditions, unreal conditions, and habitual conditions.

1. Real Condition: The condition is possible or likely.
Example: மழை பெய்தால், நான் வீட்டில் இருப்பேன்.
(If it rains, I will stay home.)

2. Unreal Condition: The condition is hypothetical or contrary to fact.
Example: நான் பணம் இருந்தால், நான் புதிய கார் வாங்குவேன்.
(If I had money, I would buy a new car.)

3. Habitual Condition: The condition happens regularly.
Example: நீ வரும்போது, நான் சாப்பிடுவேன்.
(When you come, I eat.)

Common Conditional Conjunctions in Tamil

Here are some common words used to form conditional sentences:

• என்றால் (eṉṟāl) - if
• ஆனால் (āṉāl) - but/if
• ஆகில் (ākil) - if
• இருந்தால் (iruntāl) - if (past tense)
• வரும்போது (varumpōthu) - when/if (habitual)

Practice Examples of Conditional Sentences

Try translating these sentences into Tamil:

1. If I study, I will pass the exam.
2. If it is hot, I drink water.
3. If you come early, we will start the meeting.
4. If she had time, she would visit us.
5. When he calls, tell me immediately.

Summary of Key Points

- Use "-ஆல்" (-āl) suffix to form the condition clause.
- "என்றால்" and "ஆனால்" are common conjunctions for "if".
- Different types of conditions (real, unreal, habitual) have different verb forms.
- Practice with examples helps in mastering conditional sentences in Tamil.