se + Future Subjunctive

Condição Real Futura (Se)

Level 4

The se + futuro do subjuntivo pattern is used for 'if' scenarios that are likely or possible to happen in the future. It is the standard way to say 'If I [verb]...' when referring to a future event.

How It Works

The condição eventual (probable future condition) is essential for daily conversation. It describes a condition that the speaker believes is plausible.

1. Formation:
To form the future subjunctive, take the 3rd person plural of the Pretérito Perfeito do Indicativo (e.g., falaram, tiveram, fizeram), remove the -am, and add the endings:

  • Eu: -∅ (falar / tiver)
  • Tu: -es (falares / tiveres)
  • Você/Ele/Ela/A gente: -∅ (falar / tiver)
  • Nós: -mos (falarmos / tivermos)
  • Vós: -des (falardes / tiverdes)
  • Vocês/Eles/Elas: -em (falarem / tiverem)

2. Regular vs. Irregular:
For regular verbs, the form looks identical to the personal infinitive. However, for irregular verbs, the stem change is vital. Crucially, both ser and ir share the highly common form for (e.g., se eu for). Other frequent irregulars include ter (tiver), fazer (fizer), estar (estiver), querer (quiser), saber (souber), poder (puder), dizer (disser), pôr (puser), dar (der), and trazer (trouxer).

3. Usage with Main Clauses:
When you use 'se' with the future subjunctive, the result clause usually uses the present indicative (e.g., 'Se chover, eu fico em casa' - If it rains, I will stay home), the near future, the future indicative, or an imperative command.

4. The Ver/Vir Trap:
Be careful with 'to see' (ver) and 'to come' (vir).
• Ver becomes vir (Se eu vir o filme... - If I see the movie...).
• Vir becomes vier (Se eu vier amanhã... - If I come tomorrow...).

5. Other Triggers:
The future subjunctive is not exclusive to 'se'. It is also commonly used with temporal conjunctions like quando, assim que, enquanto, and sempre que (whenever), as well as conjunctions of conformity like conforme or segundo (as / according to how).

6. Relative Pronouns (Indefinite Future):
The future subjunctive is heavily used with relative pronouns like quem (whoever), o que (whatever), onde (wherever), and como (however) when referring to an indefinite, unknown, or hypothetical person or thing in the future. For example: 'Faça o que você quiser' (Do whatever you want) or 'Quem vier à festa vai gostar' (Whoever comes to the party will like it).

7. 'Se' vs. 'Caso':
While se (if) triggers the future subjunctive for future conditions, the synonym caso (in case/if) requires the present subjunctive. Always say se chover (future subjunctive) but caso chova (present subjunctive).

8. Future vs. Habitual Conditions:
Contrast this structure with habitual conditions. Use the future subjunctive for specific future possibilities. For general facts or habits, use se with the present indicative (e.g., 'Se chove, eu fico em casa' - If it rains [generally], I stay home).

Examples (4)

  1. Se eu tiver tempo amanhã, eu vou à sua casa.

    If I have time tomorrow, I will go to your house.

    Word by Word: If I have (future subjunctive) time tomorrow, I go to the your house.

    Uses the irregular 'tiver' (from ter) to show a possible future condition.

  2. Se você vir o João, diga que mandei um abraço.

    If you see João, tell him I sent my regards.

    Word by Word: If you see (future subjunctive) the João, say that I sent a hug.

    Note the use of 'vir' for the verb 'ver' (to see) and the imperative 'diga' in the result.

  3. Nós faremos o jantar se eles chegarem cedo.

    We will make dinner if they arrive early.

    Word by Word: We will make the dinner if they arrive (future subjunctive) early.

    A regular verb 'chegar' where the future subjunctive matches the personal infinitive form.

  4. Se nós fizermos o trabalho hoje, ficaremos livres no fim de semana.

    If we do the work today, we will be free on the weekend.

    Word by Word: If we do (future subjunctive) the work today, we will stay free in the end of week.

    Uses the irregular stem 'fizer-' from the verb 'fazer'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the present indicative instead of the future subjunctive.

    Se eu tenho dinheiro amanhã, eu compro o carro.
    Se eu tiver dinheiro amanhã, eu compro o carro.

    In English, we say 'If I have' (present), but Portuguese requires the future subjunctive for future possibilities.

  • Confusing 'ver' (to see) and 'vir' (to come) in this tense.

    Se você ver o filme, me avise.
    Se você vir o filme, me avise.

    The future subjunctive of 'ver' is 'vir'. Using 'ver' here is a very common mistake even among native speakers in casual Brazilian Portuguese.

  • Pairing the future subjunctive with the conditional tense.

    Se eu for à festa, eu iria com você.
    Se eu for à festa, eu vou com você.

    The future subjunctive (real condition) pairs with the future or present. The conditional (iria) only pairs with the imperfect subjunctive (se eu fosse).

Words in This Pattern