Modern Spanish Grammar: A Practical Guide

Other conditional expressions 51.351.3.2 51.3.3 51.3.4Gerund instead of si-clauseIn colloquial language, the gerund (words like estudiando, ‘studying’, subiendo,‘going up’) can be used to express open conditions.Subiendo por esta calle llegarás al parque. (Si subes . . .)Going up this street you’ll get to the park.Estudiando inglés encontrarás un trabajo mejor. (Si estudias . . .)By studying English you’ll find a better job.16.1.1.5 (p. 62); 17.12 (p. 80)Imperative instead of si-clauseThe imperative may acquire a conditional value in informal spoken language,especially with warnings or threats.Hazlo y te arrepentirás. (Si lo haces . . .)If you do it you’ll regret it.Vuelve a llegar tarde y te despedirán. (Si vuelves . . .)If you are late again they’ll fire you.16.1.1.6 (p. 62); 17.13 (p. 81)Como + subjunctive instead of si-clauseComo + subjunctive can be used with a conditional value, to express warnings orthreats like the imperative in 51.3.3 above, or to express fear with regard to something.This use seems restricted to informal spoken language.Como se lo digas te pego. (Si se lo dices . . .)If you tell him/her I’ll beat you up.Como lo vea mi madre se pondrá furiosa. (Si lo ve . . .)If my mother sees it she’ll be furious.The use of como in this context is uncommon in Latin America.51.3.5En caso de que + subjunctive, en caso de + infinitiveEn caso de que, ‘in case’, ‘if’, is used for expressing open conditions, and is followed bya present or an imperfect subjunctive. With the imperfect subjunctive, the condition isseen as more remote. 30316.1.1.3 (p. 61)En caso de que venga/viniera/viniese Gabriel, dile que volveré pronto.In case Gabriel comes, tell him I’ll be back soon.En caso de que no puedas/pudieras/pudieses asistir, avísame.In case you can’t attend, let me know.En caso de que haya/hubiera/hubiese problemas, no dejes dellamarme.If there are problems, don’t fail to call me.