de + Infinitive

De Infinitive for Si

Level 5

Use de + infinitive as a formal or literary alternative to si + [verb] to form a conditional clause, meaning 'if...'

How It Works

This structure provides a sophisticated alternative to standard si clauses, particularly for unreal or hypothetical conditions. It's most common when the subject of the conditional clause and the main clause is the same.

Formation:
The transformation depends on the tense of the original si clause.

1. For Present/Future Hypotheticals:
The structure si + imperfect subjunctive is replaced by de + infinitive.

Original: Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo.
Replacement: De tener dinero, viajaría por el mundo. (If I had money, I would travel the world.)

2. For Past Hypotheticals:
The structure si + pluperfect subjunctive is replaced by de + haber + past participle.

Original: Si hubiera sabido la verdad, te la habría dicho.
Replacement: De haber sabido la verdad, te la habría dicho. (If I had known the truth, I would have told you.)

3. For Negative Conditions:
Simply add no before the infinitive.

Original: Si no fuera por tu ayuda, no lo habría logrado.
Replacement: De no ser por tu ayuda, no lo habría logrado. (If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have achieved it.)

This construction elevates the tone of the sentence, making it sound more formal, literary, or eloquent. While common in writing, it's less frequent in casual conversation.

Examples (4)

De tener más tiempo, leería ese libro.
If I had more time, I would read that book.
Word by Word: Of to have more time, I would read that book.
De saberlo antes, te lo habría dicho.
If I had known it sooner, I would have told you.
Word by Word: Of to know it sooner, to you it I would have said.
De ser posible, me gustaría cambiar la cita para el viernes.
If it were possible, I would like to change the appointment to Friday.
Word by Word: Of to be possible, to me it would please to change the appointment for the Friday.
De haber estudiado más, habrías aprobado el examen.
If you had studied more, you would have passed the exam.
Word by Word: Of to have studied more, you would have passed the exam.

Common Mistakes

Using a conjugated verb after 'de' instead of an infinitive.
De tuviera dinero, viajaría.
De tener dinero, viajaría.
The structure requires the preposition 'de' to be followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive), not a conjugated form like the subjunctive.
Using a formal structure in a very casual chat.
Different MeaningOye, de querer una pizza, ¿la pedimos?
Oye, si quieres una pizza, ¿la pedimos?
De querer una pizza is correct Spanish, but it sounds formal or written. In a casual chat, a si clause such as si quieres una pizza sounds more natural.

How It Connects

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de + InfinitiveLevel 5De Infinitive for Si

Learn This First

To use 'de + infinitive' as a conditional replacement, you must first understand how standard 'si' (if) clauses work in Spanish for both real and hypothetical situations. Additionally, you need to be comfortable with the basic use of prepositions and the infinitive form of verbs, as this construction replaces a full conjugated clause with a prepositional phrase.

Words in This Pattern

Practice de + Infinitive in Bubblegum

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