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B2Grammar cheat sheet
Conditionnel passé
High-priority B2 grammar concept for TEF/TCF preparation: Conditionnel passé.
Quick rule
Use the conditional to express polite requests, advice, hypothetical results, or unreal past outcomes.
Patterns to memorize
- present conditional: infinitive stem + -ais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient
- si + imparfait -> conditionnel présent
- si + plus-que-parfait -> conditionnel passé
Where to use it
- Giving polite advice in writing or speaking
- Discussing hypothetical solutions
- Defending an opinion with nuance
High-value examples
Je vous conseillerais de vérifier le formulaire.
I would advise you to check the form.
Polite advice.
Si la ville investissait davantage, les transports seraient meilleurs.
If the city invested more, transportation would be better.
Hypothesis with si + imparfait.
Common mistakes
- Using future after si + imparfait
- Writing serait été instead of aurait été
- Using conditional when a direct present tense is clearer
Mini drill
- Write 3 polite advice sentences.
- Write 2 si + imparfait + conditionnel sentences.
- Turn one direct request into a polite request.
Exam target
Use Conditionnel passé in level-appropriate sentences.Recognize common errors and produce a corrected version.Apply the form in short exam-style writing.