HSK 4 Types of Phrases (Complex Sentence) Complex Sentence Hypothetical sentences

Hypothetical Phrases - If…, then…

假设复句 — 要是……、就……

Hypothetical sentences (假设复句) consider a situation: If… then… / If… then… / If… then…

Elements

If…then…

How to use it

  • For if, take a model sentence like If it rains (If it rains) and replace only the variable information.
  • For then, take a model sentence like Then it will be rainy (Then it will rain) and replace only the variable information.
  • Context: especially in explanations and arguments.

Examples

要是下雨

yàoshi xià yǔ

If it rains

就是

jiù shì

Then it will be rainy

要是可以

yàoshi kěyǐ

If he can, then he will stay

就要

jiù yào

il reste

Notes and exceptions

  • then — Consequence / immediacy: Very versatile
  • often with conditional or rapid structures (一…就…).

Common mistakes

  • Check the order of elements before speaking or writing.
  • Use a complete sentence to validate the structure in a real context.

Practice quiz

Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.

1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?

(For **if**, take a model sentence like **If it rains** (If it rains) and replace only the variable information.)

2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?

(For **then**, take a model sentence like **Then it will be rainy** (Then it will rain) and replace only the variable information.)

3. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?

(Context: especially in explanations and arguments.)