Quick conditionals with "y"
Instead of using standard "if" (si) clauses to state cause and effect, spoken Spanish often uses a quicker, more colloquial structure. Simply give a command (in the imperative) and follow it with y (and) and the result.
Imperative + y + Result
This structure is perfect for giving friendly advice, like recommending a traditional remedy.
Imperative + Future tense
Usually, the result is expressed in the future tense to show what will happen once you follow the advice.
| Take this herbal remedy and you will rest better. | Toma este remedio de hierbas y descansarás mejor. |
| Drink this chamomile infusion and you will sleep well. | Bebe esta infusión de manzanilla y dormirás bien. |
| Breathe the eucalyptus steam and you will breathe better. | Respira el vapor del eucalipto y respirarás mejor. |
Imperative + Present tense
When you want to sound more emphatic, showing that the result is immediate or guaranteed, you can use the present indicative for the result instead.
| Put lemon and ginger in the water and you cure your cough. | Pon limón y jengibre en el agua y curas tu tos. |
| Drink this cinnamon tea and the inflammation disappears soon. | Toma este té de canela y la inflamación desaparece pronto. |
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