Language/Turkish/Grammar/Conditional-Sentences

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Turkish → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Complex Grammar → Conditional Sentences

Introduction

In this lesson, we will dive into the complex grammar of Turkish and explore conditional sentences. Conditional sentences allow us to express hypothetical situations, possibilities, or consequences. By understanding how to form and use conditional sentences, you will be able to convey a wide range of ideas and express yourself more effectively in Turkish.

Forming Conditional Sentences

To form a conditional sentence in Turkish, we use the conditional mood suffix "-se/-sa" attached to the verb. The choice between "-se" and "-sa" depends on the vowel harmony rules. If the verb stem ends with a vowel, we use "-se". If the verb stem ends with a consonant, we use "-sa". Let's look at some examples:

Turkish	Pronunciation	English
Eğer gelirsen	Eh-air gel-eer-sen	If you come
Eğer gidersen	Eh-air geed-er-sen	If you go
Eğer yaparsa	Eh-air yap-ar-sa	If he/she does

In these examples, we see the conditional suffix "-se/-sa" attached to the verbs "gelirsen" (come), "gidersen" (go), and "yaparsa" (does). The word "eğer" is often used at the beginning of a conditional sentence to indicate the condition.

Types of Conditional Sentences

There are three main types of conditional sentences in Turkish: real, unreal, and mixed conditionals. Let's explore each type in detail:

Real Conditional Sentences

Real conditional sentences express possible or likely situations. They imply that the condition has a high chance of happening. In Turkish, real conditional sentences are formed by using the present tense in the "if" clause and the future tense in the main clause. Here's an example:

• Eğer dışarı çıkarsan, yürüyüşe giderim.
• If you go outside, I will go for a walk.

In this example, the "if" clause "Eğer dışarı çıkarsan" (if you go outside) is in the present tense, and the main clause "yürüyüşe giderim" (I will go for a walk) is in the future tense.

Unreal Conditional Sentences

Unreal conditional sentences express hypothetical or imaginary situations. They imply that the condition is unlikely or contrary to reality. In Turkish, unreal conditional sentences are formed by using the past tense in the "if" clause and the present tense in the main clause. Here's an example:

• Eğer kazansaydım, tatile giderdim.
• If I had won, I would have gone on vacation.

In this example, the "if" clause "Eğer kazansaydım" (if I had won) is in the past tense, and the main clause "tatile giderdim" (I would have gone on vacation) is in the present tense.

Mixed Conditional Sentences

Mixed conditional sentences express hypothetical situations with real or possible consequences. They combine elements of both real and unreal conditionals. In Turkish, mixed conditional sentences are formed by using the past tense in the "if" clause and the future tense in the main clause. Here's an example:

• Eğer çalışmış olsaydın, terfi ederdin.
• If you had worked, you would have been promoted.

In this example, the "if" clause "Eğer çalışmış olsaydın" (if you had worked) is in the past tense, and the main clause "terfi ederdin" (you would have been promoted) is in the future tense.

Using Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are used in various contexts to express different meanings. Let's explore some common uses of conditional sentences in Turkish:

Expressing Possibility

Conditional sentences can be used to express possibilities or potential outcomes. Here's an example:

• Eğer erken gelirsen, filmi izleyebiliriz.
• If you come early, we can watch the movie.

In this example, the conditional sentence "Eğer erken gelirsen" (if you come early) expresses the possibility of watching the movie.

Giving Advice

Conditional sentences can also be used to give advice or make suggestions. Here's an example:

• Eğer daha fazla çalışırsan, daha iyi sonuçlar elde edersin.
• If you work harder, you will achieve better results.

In this example, the conditional sentence "Eğer daha fazla çalışırsan" (if you work harder) is used to give advice.

Talking about Hypothetical Situations

Conditional sentences are commonly used to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations. Here's an example:

• Eğer bir süper gücüm olsaydı, dünyayı kurtarabilirdim.
• If I had a superpower, I could save the world.

In this example, the conditional sentence "Eğer bir süper gücüm olsaydı" (if I had a superpower) introduces a hypothetical situation.

Expressing Consequences

Conditional sentences can also be used to express consequences or results. Here's an example:

• Eğer bugün gelmezsen, yarın gitmek zorunda kalacağım.
• If you don't come today, I will have to go tomorrow.

In this example, the conditional sentence "Eğer bugün gelmezsen" (if you don't come today) introduces a condition with a consequence.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to form and use conditional sentences in Turkish. By mastering this complex grammar structure, you can express possibilities, hypothetical situations, advice, and consequences in a more nuanced way. Keep practicing and incorporating conditional sentences into your conversations to enhance your Turkish language skills.

Table of Contents - Turkish Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Turkish Alphabet

• Vowels and Consonants
• Pronunciation

  ---

Basic Grammar

• Nouns
• Verbs
• Adjectives
• Pronouns

  ---

Complex Grammar

• Cases
• Participles
• Conditional Sentences

  ---

Everyday Phrases

• Greeting
• Asking for Directions
• Food and Drink
• Shopping

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Cardinal Numbers
• Ordinal Numbers
• Time

  ---

Turkish Culture

• History and Geography
• Traditions and Customs
• Cuisine
• Arts and Festivals

  ---

Daily Life

• Housing
• Family and Relationships
• Religion
• Transportation and Travel

Sources

• Lesson 46:Conditional tense in Turkish ... - MY TURKISH COURSE

Other Lessons

• Past Tense
• Nouns
• Vowels and Consonants
• Give your Opinion
• Negation
• Count from 1 to 10
• Personal Pronouns
• Prepositions
• Participles
• The Inclusive Case in Turkish

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