Si Clauses - Indicative

[DeterminadoAprender]

How would you know when to use either present and present or present and future for indicative si clauses?

Por ejemplo:
Los marineros ____ (contar) con un faro si ______ (haber) niebla.

Can't it mean both: "The sailors will rely on a lighthouse if it is foggy" and "The sailors rely on a lighthouse if it is foggy"?

[chileno]

Originally Posted by DeterminadoAprender

How would you know when to use either present and present or present and future for indicative si clauses?

Por ejemplo:
Los marineros ____ (contar) con un faro si ______ (haber) niebla.

Can't it mean both: "The sailors will rely on a lighthouse if it is foggy" and "The sailors rely on a lighthouse if it is foggy"?

Ok, I am not sure of what you are talking about gramatically, however, consider this:

Los marineros cuentan con un faro por si hay niebla.

-Los marineros cuentan con un faro por si hubiera niebla.

-Los marineros contaban con un faro por si habia niebla.

-Los marineros contarian con un faro por si hubiera niebla.

I think I covered the posibilities...

If I missed you question- then write the phrase in correct english, and I will translate it. :-)

[Zwarte Piet]

Could you also use the subjunctive?

[Rusty]

The subjunctive was used in two of chileno's examples, in the secondary clause. The subjunctive wouldn't be used in the main clause.

[chileno]

Rusty, would this be right for subjunctive?

Que los marineros contaran con un faro, por si hay niebla, sería bueno.

Correcto?

Probably not what is being asked, though...

[Rusty]

Yes, it's correct. You're still using the subjunctive in a secondary clause, however. Sería bueno is the main clause.

I mentioned that the subjunctive can't be used in the main clause, but meant that comment for the types of sentences posted. You can, of course, have a main clause with a subjunctive. For example: ¡Ay! ¡Que lloviera!

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Yes, it's correct. You're still using the subjunctive in a secondary clause, however. Sería bueno is the main clause.

I mentioned that the subjunctive can't be used in the main clause, but meant that comment for the types of sentences posted. You can, of course, have a main clause with a subjunctive. For example: ¡Ay! ¡Que lloviera!

Interesting!

What about? : ¡Ay! ¡Si lloviera!

You know I like this, and it makes me want to delve more in grammar, but now that I am, more or less, bilingual.

Thanks Rusty!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by chileno

What about? : ¡Ay! ¡Si lloviera!

¿Me preguntas si sirve? Claro que sí. He oído las dos.
Both phrases can stand alone. Both can sport a main clause.
If it were to rain ... (then what)
Would that it rain ... (when, for what purpose)

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Rusty

¿Me preguntas si sirve? Claro que sí. He oído las dos.
Both phrases can stand alone. Both can sport a main clause.
If it were to rain ... (then what)
Would that it rain ... (when, for what purpose)

Entiendo que las dos sirvan, mi respuesta/pregunta era por saber mas sobre lo que esta en rojo.

Eres genial explicando estas cosas!

Gracias.

[Rusty]

Algo así:
¡Ay! Si lloviera, ¡podríamos aliviarnos del calor que hace!
¡Ay! !Que lloviera para regar las flores que se ponen mustias!