sɛ ... a (If)

If: Sɛ ... a

Level 3

Frame the condition: sɛ + clause + a, then the result. Sɛ nsuo tɔ a, yɛrenkɔ means If it rains, we will not go.

How It Works

1. The frame
sɛ + condition + a, + result.

  • Sɛ Kofi ba a, yɛbɛkɔ Kumase. (If Kofi comes, we will go to Kumasi.)
  • Sɛ nsuo tɔ a, yɛrenkɔ. (If it rains, we will not go.)

2. The verb inside the condition
The condition usually uses the plain verb, as in sɛ Kofi ba a, even for a future event. The future bɛ- inside it means if you are going to: Sɛ wobɛba a, frɛ me (If you are coming, call me). Negatives work as usual: Sɛ wonni sika a (If you have no money).

3. The result clause
Use the future (yɛbɛkɔ), the negative future (yɛrenkɔ) or a command (frɛ me). With a plain verb in the result, the sentence describes a habit: whenever this happens, that happens. See If or When? sɛ ... a.

4. Order and short forms
The condition can also come second: Mɛboa wo, sɛ wopɛ a (I will help you if you want). In quick speech sɛ is often dropped, but a stays: Wopɛ a, bra (If you want, come).

5. Related frames
For conditions that are not real, see Unreal Conditions: sɛ ... a, anka. For even if, see Even If: sɛ ... mpo a, and for unless, Unless: gye sɛ.

Examples (6)

  1. Sɛ nsuo tɔ a, yɛrenkɔ.

    If it rains, we will not go.

    Word by Word: if water fall IF, we-NEG.FUT-go

    The plain verb tɔ is used in the condition even though the rain is in the future.

  2. Sɛ Kofi ba a, yɛbɛkɔ Kumase.

    If Kofi comes, we will go to Kumasi.

  3. Sɛ wobɛba a, frɛ me.

    If you are coming, call me.

    Word by Word: if you-FUT-come IF, call me

    Bɛ- inside the condition means you are going to come.

  4. Sɛ wonni sika a, ka kyerɛ me.

    If you do not have money, tell me.

    Word by Word: if you-not.have money IF, say show me

  5. Mɛboa wo, sɛ wopɛ a.

    I will help you if you want.

    Word by Word: I-FUT-help you, if you-want IF

    The condition can come after the result.

  6. Wopɛ a, bra.

    If you want, come.

    Word by Word: you-want IF, come

    Sɛ is dropped here, but the closing a stays.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving out the closing a.

    Sɛ nsuo tɔ, yɛrenkɔ.
    Sɛ nsuo tɔ a, yɛrenkɔ.

    The a marks where the condition ends. Without it the condition is not complete. Sɛ can sometimes be dropped, but a cannot.

  • Using a plain verb in the result when you mean the future.

    Sɛ Kofi ba a, yɛkɔ Kumase.
    Sɛ Kofi ba a, yɛbɛkɔ Kumase.

    The intended meaning is If Kofi comes, we will go to Kumasi. With plain yɛkɔ the sentence describes a habit: whenever Kofi comes, we go to Kumasi. Use bɛ- for one future event.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

sɛ ... a (If)Level 3If: Sɛ ... a

Learn This First

If-sentences usually put the future in the result.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

a