Conditions with siempre que

The idea

With siempre que meaning “provided that”, use the subjunctive for a condition; for a hypothetical outcome, an imperfect subjunctive can follow. For a recurring fact meaning “whenever”, use the indicative.

Examples

• Puedes quedarte aquí siempre que respetes el silencio.You can stay here provided that you keep quiet.
• Iremos al río siempre que no llueva mañana.We will go to the river provided it does not rain tomorrow.
• Siempre que tengo tiempo, visito a mi abuelo.Whenever I have time, I visit my grandfather.
• La biblioteca presta cámaras siempre que los usuarios presenten su tarjeta.The library lends cameras provided users show their card.
• Cuando vivíamos allí, siempre que nevaba cerraban el puerto.When we lived there, they closed the port whenever it snowed.
• Aceptaría el trabajo siempre que pudiera empezar en mayo.I would accept the job provided I could start in May.

Watch out

Do not automatically use the subjunctive: a real recurring habit takes the indicative.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the form that fits the meaning. The loan is conditional on returning it today. Te presto mi bicicleta siempre que la ___ hoy. (devuelvas / devuelves)

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   devuelvas

   Devuelvas makes returning the bike today a condition of the loan.

2. Choose the form that fits the meaning. Each time autumn arrives. Siempre que ___ el otoño, cambiamos el horario. (llega / llegue)

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   llega

   Llega describes the recurring arrival of autumn.

3. Choose the form that fits the meaning. A hypothetical condition. Viajaríamos juntos siempre que tú ___ tiempo. (tuvieras / tienes)

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   tuvieras

   Tuvieras fits the hypothetical trip and its condition.

Use it today

Choose the verb form from the intended meaning.