Understanding Conditional Sentences in Turkish

What Are Conditional Sentences?

Conditional sentences are structures that express one condition that leads to a specific result. They are often referred to as "if-then" statements. In Turkish, they can indicate various degrees of probability, possibility, or unreal conditions.

Types of Conditional Sentences in Turkish

Real Conditionals

Real conditionals express situations that are possible or likely to happen. In Turkish, they use the suffix -se/-sa added to the verb.

Unreal Conditionals

Unreal conditionals refer to situations that are hypothetical or contrary to fact. In Turkish, these typically use past tense forms to express the unreal nature of the condition.

The Structure of Conditional Sentences in Turkish

In Turkish, the conditional clause (the 'if' part) can precede or follow the result clause. Although the order can vary, the meaning remains unchanged.

Using <span class="ipa">-se</span>/<span class="ipa">-sa</span> Suffix

These suffixes are usually attached to the verb stem to form the conditional mood. It's essential to choose the correct suffix based on vowel harmony rules in Turkish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When forming conditional sentences, English speakers often forget vowel harmony or use incorrect verb suffixes in Turkish.