Questions & Answers about Αν αργήσεις λίγο, δεν πειράζει.
What verb form is αργήσεις, exactly?
It’s the 2nd person singular aorist subjunctive of αργώ (to be late). Principal parts:
- Present: αργώ
- Aorist (simple past): άργησα
- Subjunctive aorist 2sg: (να) αργήσεις
Here it appears after αν, which normally calls for a subjunctive-type form in Greek.
Why is the subjunctive used after αν?
In Greek, the protasis (the “if”-clause) typically uses a subjunctive form, not a future. The subjunctive marks the event as hypothetical/possible. So:
- Correct: Αν αργήσεις, ...
- Not used for conditionals: Αν θα αργήσεις, ... (see the next question for the “αν θα” exception in indirect questions)
So is αν αργείς ever correct?
Yes, but it changes the meaning. Greek contrasts aspect:
- Αν αργήσεις (aorist subjunctive): one-off/future event — “If you happen to be late (this time)”
- Αν αργείς (present): habitual/ongoing — “If you are (generally) late” or “If you tend to be late”
Can I say αν θα αργήσεις?