The phrase “si elle allait bien” is a conditional clause in French that translates to “if she was well” or “if she was doing well”. This phrase is used to describe a hypothetical situation or condition. Let's look into how this sentence is constructed and why it is spelled the way it is, followed by examples of sentences where it can be used.
Translation and Meaning
“Si elle allait bien” translates to “if she was well” or “if she was doing well”. In this phrase:
- “Si” means “if.”
- “Elle” means “she.”
- “Allait” is the third person singular imperfect form of the verb “aller”, which means “to go” or “to be.”
- “Bien” means “well.”
Together, these words form a conditional clause expressing a hypothetical situation regarding someone's well-being.
Grammar Explanation
“Si”
The word “si” is a conjunction that means “if” in French. It is used to introduce conditional clauses.
“Elle”
“Elle” is the subject pronoun “she” in French. It refers to a female person.
“Allait”
“Allait” is the imperfect tense form of the verb “aller” (to go). The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, as well as conditions or states of being. In this context, “allait” conveys a past condition.
“Bien”
“Bien” is an adverb meaning “well”. It describes the state of well-being in this clause.
Examples of Usage
Example 1
French: Si elle allait bien, elle viendrait à la fête.
Translation: If she was well, she would come to the party.
This sentence expresses a hypothetical situation where her attendance at the party depends on her well-being.
Example 2
French: Nous sortirions ensemble si elle allait bien.
Translation: We would go out together if she was doing well.
Here, the speaker implies that their plans to go out depend on her state of health.
Example 3
French: Si elle allait bien, elle pourrait voyager avec nous.
Translation: If she was well, she could travel with us.
In this sentence, the possibility of traveling together is contingent upon her well-being.
Example 4
French: Il serait heureux si elle allait bien.
Translation: He would be happy if she was well.
This example shows that his happiness is conditional on her state of being well.
Example 5
French: Si elle allait bien, elle aurait participé à la compétition.
Translation: If she was well, she would have participated in the competition.
Here, the sentence expresses a past hypothetical situation where her participation in the competition would have depended on her well-being.
By looking into these examples, we can see how “si elle allait bien” is used to express hypothetical situations related to a person's state of well-being. This phrase follows a specific grammatical structure that is essential for forming conditional clauses in French.
10 Exercises with “Si elle allait bien”
Exercise 1
Translate the sentence: Si elle allait bien, elle serait ici.
Exercise 2
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “aller”: Si elle __________ bien, elle irait au travail.
Exercise 3
Create a sentence using “si elle allait bien” and involving a trip to the beach.
Exercise 4
Transform this sentence into a conditional form: Elle est fatiguée.
Exercise 5
Translate the following sentence to French: If she was well, she would help us.
Exercise 6
Rewrite the sentence by changing “elle” to “il”: Si elle allait bien, elle se sentirait heureuse.
Exercise 7
Complete the sentence: Si elle allait bien, __________ (she could join us).
Exercise 8
Form a question using “si elle allait bien” about going to a concert.
Exercise 9
Translate the sentence to French: If she was well, she would cook dinner.
Exercise 10
Use “si elle allait bien” in a sentence related to studying for an exam.