Chapter II

Analysis of the Conditional Sentences on the examples

selected from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Jane
Eyre translated by Mirella Acsente
Jane Eyre (originally published as Jane Eyre: An Autobiography) is
a novel by English writer Charlotte Bront. It was published on 16 October
1847 by Smith, Elder & Co. of London, England, under the pen name "Currer
Bell." The first Romanian edition was published in 2009 by Corint Edition and
was translated by Mirella Acsente.[41]

For the research this book was found because it is well known all over the
world and is a part of universal literature. Also the translation in Romanian was
studied and the study is made on both books examples of conditional sentences.

2.1 The semantic analysis and ways of translating Real

Conditional Sentences into Romanian
All conditional sentences contain a dependent clause and
an independent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with if; it
expresses a condition. The independent clause expresses a result of the
condition. The if-clause is usually first, but the order of the clauses is usually
not important.[13, p. 61] The same principal exists in Romanian language.
There are some examples:
If I offered my heart, I believe you would accept it. Pag. 560, 1.
Dac i-a driu inima, cred c ai primit-o. Pag. 446, 1.

If we change the clauses place, there is no change in meaning:

I believe you would accept it, if I offered my heart.

 Cred c ai primit-o, dac i-a drui inima.

Real conditional sentences can express generalizations and inferences.

Generalizations include facts that are always true and never change, and they
include present or past habitual activities that are or were usually true.

Real conditionals expressing generalizations usually have the same

tense (usually simple present or simple past) in both clauses. However, if
the simple present tense is used in the if-clause, will + verb can be used in the
main clause without changing the meaning.

Examples of real conditional sentences expressing facts:

If I storm, you have the art of weeping. Pag. 462, 7.

Dac eu o s m dezlnui cu furie, tu ai meteugul lacrimilor. Pag.
368, 2

Examples of real conditional sentences expressing habitual activities:

if one expedient loses its virtue, another must be devised. Pag. 418, 1.
dac o metod i pierde puterea, o s nscocesc alta. Pag. 332, .
Real conditionals expressing inferences usually have parallel verb
phrases in both clauses. However, if a modal which explicitly expresses an
inference (must or should, for example) is used in the main clause, parallel
verb phrases are not used.
Examples of real conditional sentences expressing inferences:
And if you are inclined to despise the day of small things, seek some
more efficient succour than such as I can offer. Pag. 531,1.
i dac eti nclinat s dispreuieti ziua nceputurilor mici , caut un
ajutor mai folositor dect cel pe care i-l pot eu oferi. Pag. 423, 1.
 Now, he has his back towards me, thought I, and he is occupied too;
perhaps, if I walk softly, I can slip away unnoticed. Pag. 379, 2.
Acum e cu spatele la mine, mi-am zis eu,i e ocupat ; poate c dac
pesc ncet, pot s m furiez de-aici fr s m vad. Pag. 298, 2.
Predictive conditional sentences can express predictions and plans.

Predictive conditional sentences usually contain simple present tense in the if-
clause and will or be going to in the result clause. However, a weaker modal of
prediction (may or should, for example) can be used in the result clause to
express less certainty.

Examples of predictive conditional sentences:

What we tell you is for you good, added Bessie, in no harsh vioce: you
should try to be useful and pleasent, then, perhaps, you would have a
home here; but if you become passionate and rude, missis will send you
away, I am sure.pag. 15,3
Ceea ce-i spunem noi e spre binele tu, adug Bessie cu o voce blnd;
ar trebui s ncerci s fii util i ndatoritoare i-atunci poate c aici va fi
ntotdeauna casa ta; dar dac devii iute la mnie i obraznic, sunt
sigur c stpna te va alunga. Pag. 26, 4.
If i had anywhere else to go, I should be glad to leave it; but i can never
get away from Gateshead till i am a woman. Pag.26,7
Dac a avea unde s m duc, m-a bucura s plec; dar nu pot s plec
de la Gateshead pn nu m fac mare. Pag. 40,1.
Ways of translating Real Conditional Sentences from English into
Romanian
Real conditional sentences are expressed in different ways in Romanian.
So called zero conditional sentences are expressed in English in following way:
the conditional clause-If + Present Simple and the main clause - Present Simple.
This sentences are expressed in the following ways in Romanian:
1. The IF clause is translated with the Present Indicative (Indicativul
Prezent)- and the main clause is translated with the same Present
Indicative .
Ex. If ye suffer hunger or thirst for My sake, happy are ye. Pag. 94, 3.
Dac ndurai foamea i setea pentru mine, fii fericii. Pag. 75, 1.
It is no devil, I assure you; or if it be, it has put on the robes of an angel of
light. Pag. 209,1.
Nu e un demon,te asigur; sau dac e, s-a nventmntat n hainele unui nger al
luminii. Pag. 166,4.
2. Other way of translating is using the Present Indicative in the
conditional clause and the using of Future II Indicative in the main
clause.

Ex. The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly. I again demand, what
have you to say? Pag. 443, 2.
O s te ia dracu dac nu rspunzi clar. Te ntreb din nou, tu ce ai de
spus? Pag. 352, 3.

What! do you think you can live with me, and see me daily, and yet, if you still
love me, be always cold and distant? Pag. 462, 5.
Cum, tu crezi c poi locui cu mine, c poi s m vezi n fiecare zi i totu i ,
dac m mai iubeti nc, s fii mereu rece i distant? Pag. 368, 1.
3. In other examples the conditional clause is rendered with the help of
Future II Indicative and using the Present Indicative in the main
clause.

Ex. But if she does, I am not bound to stay with her! let the worst come to
the worst, I can advertise again.Pag.144,3.
Dar dac se va ntmpla s fie aa, nu sunt obligat s rmn cu ea; n cel mai
ru caz,pot s dau un nou anun. Pag. 112, 5.
4. There are some examples in which the if clause is translated using the
Present Indicative and the main clauses translated with the
Imperative.
Ex. Go you to the church: see if Mr. Wood (the clergyman) and the clerk are
there: return and tell me. Pag. 438, 1.
Du-te la biseric i vezi dac domnul Wood (acesta era pastoral) i ministrul
au venit. Pag. 347, 1.
..we are coming: and, Jane, if any one is about, come to the foot of the stairs
and hem. Pag. 326,1.
i Jane, dac cineva s-a trezit deja, vino la scar i tuete uor. Pag. 258, 2.
The first type conditional sentences are expressed in the following ways in
english: the if clause - If + Present Simple and in the main clause there are
some variants of expressing like will + infinitive/Present tense/Imperative .
Ex. you will take cold to a dead certainty, if you stay in this chill gallery any
longer. Pag. 314, 6.
cu sigurana vei rci dac mai stai n coridorul acesta ngheat . Pag. 250,
4.
You will not speak to him on any pretextand Richard, it will be at the peril
of your life if you speak to her. Pag. 318, 3.
Nu vorbeti cu el sub nici un motiv- iar tu, Richard, o s fii n pericol de moarte
dac vorbeti cu ea. Pag. 252, 3.
In the most cases, the first conditional sentences are expressed in
Romanian in different ways:
1. The if clause is translated with Future Indicative- and the main
clause is translated with the Future I Indicative into Romanian.
Ex. I feel sure it will work you more misery if you listen to it. Pag. 209, 3.
Eu simt o siguran c va lucra mai mult mister dac asculi la aceasta. Pag.
167,2.
If his reply agrees with your statement, you shall be publicity clared from
every imputation; to me Jane, you are clear now. Pag. 107, 4.
Dac rspunsul lui coincide cu cei ce mi-ai spus, vei fi dezvinovit n mod
public de orice acuzaie; pentru mine, Jane, de-acum eti nevinovat. Pag. 85,
3.
2. The If clause are also translated with Present Indicative and the main
clauses with Future II Indicative.
Ex. And far better that crows and ravensif any ravens there be in these
regionsshould pick my flesh from my bones, Pag. 503,2.
i e mult mai bine ca ciorile i corbii- dac sunt corbi prin acele locuri- s-mi
curee carnea de pe oase, Pag. 401, 1.
If he has peculiarities of temper, allowance should be made. Pag. 193, 8.
i apoi, dac are ofire mai ciudat, trebuie s fim ngduitori. Pag. 155, 7.
Other way of translation is using Indicative future one in both cases:
Ex. If ever I say a friendly word to you, if ever a friendly feeling inclines you
again to me, you will say, Pag. 457, 1.
Dac o s-i adresez vreodat un cuvnt prietenesc, dac un sentiment de
prietenie te va face vreodat s te apropii iar de mine, tu i vei spune. Pag.
363, 3.
Your regard; and if I give you mine in return, that debt will be quit. Pag. 411,
2.
Stima dumneavoastr; i dac v-o dau i eu pe a mea, acea datorie va fi
achitat. Pag. 327, 4.
3. Another way of rendering is using Present Conditional in both
clauses:
Ex. If i had anywhere else to go, I should be glad to leave it; but i can never
get away from Gateshead till i am a woman. Pag.26,7
Dac a avea unde s m duc, m-a bucura s plec; dar nu pot s plec de la
Gateshead pn nu m fac mare. Pag. 40,1.
Ill tell you, if I can, Pag. 683, 1.
Dac a putea, i-a descrie ce gnduri am. Pag. 542, 2.

This are the ways of translating real conditional sentences from English into
Romanian expressed in Jane Eyre by Charlette Bronte.

2.2 The semantic analysis and ways of translating Unreal

Conditional Sentences into Romanian
Imaginative conditional sentences are the most difficult for many
learners of English because of the unusual relationship between form (the
tenses used) and meaning. In this type of conditional sentence, past tense
refers to present or future time; past perfect tense refers to past time.
Another problem for many learners of English is that were (not was) is used
with singular subjects. Be is the only English verb with two past tense forms,
but only one of them (were) is used in imaginative conditional sentences.[13,
p.107] Imaginative conditional sentence can express hypothetical or contrary-
to-fact events or states.

1. Hypothetical events or states are unlikely but possible in the present

or future. Imaginative conditional sentences expressing hypothetical events or
states have a past tense verb in the if-clause and would +
verb (or might or could + verb) in the result clause.

Examples of hypothetical conditional sentences (present and/or future time):

What would Uncle Reed say to you, if he were alive? Was my scarcely
voluntary demand. Pag. 30,2.
Ce i-ar zice unchiul Reed dac ar mai tri? Am ntrebat eu, aproape fr voie.
Pag. 43, 6.
I dare say now if I were to ask you for a kiss you wouldnt give it me: youd say
youd rather not. Pag. 42, 1.
ndrznesc s cred c dac i-a cere acum un srut, nu mi l-ai da: ai spune
mai degrab nu. Pag. 58, 8.
2. Contrary-to-fact events or states are either impossible in the present time or
did not happen in the past.

Imaginative conditional sentences expressing present contrary-to-fact

events or states have a past verb in the if-clause and would +
verb (or might orcould + verb) in the result clause. Some examples:

If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant
passing, I would know what all this means.Pag. 274, 6.
Dac a avea timp i nu m-a teme de flecreala neroad a vreunui servitor
ce ar putea trece pe aici, a ti eu ce nseamn asta. Pag. 219,5.
I should not wonder but she has saved enough to keep her independent if she
liked to leave. Pag. 250, 2.
Nu m-a mira s fi adunat destul ct s o duc foarte bine dac se hotr te s
plece, dar bnuiesc c s-a obinuit aici. Pag. 198,2.
Imaginative conditional sentences expressing past contrary-to-fact
events or states have a past perfect verb in the if-clause and would + have +
verb (ormight or could + have + verb) in the result clause. Some examples:
I doubted not- never doubted- that if Mr Reed had been alive he would have
treated me kindly; pag. 18,2.
Nu m ndoiam-niciodat nu m ndoisem- c dac domnul Reed ar mai fi fost
n via, m-ar fi tratat cu buntate. Pag. 30,2.
If even this stranger had smiled and been good-humoured to me when I
addressed him; if he had put off my offer of assistance gaily and with thanks,
I should have gone on my way. Pag. 173, 3.
Dac acest atrin mi-ar fi zmbit i s-ar fi purtat prietenos cu mine cnd i-am
vorbit, dac mi-ar fi refuzat oferta de ajutor vesel i plin de mul umire , mi-a
fi vzut de drum. Pag. 137, 2.
Ways of translating half-real and unreal conditional sentences
The unreal conditional sentences are expressed in some different ways.
The conditional clause may be expressed using If + Present Tense and the main
clause is expressed by would + Inf. These sentences are translated in Romanian
in the fallowing ways:
1. The main clause and the conditional clause are translated in
Romanian using Conditional-optative (Romanian mood) in both
clauses. These way is used in the majority of cases.
Ex: If I could go out of life now, without too sharp a pang, it would be well for
me Pag. 456, 1.
Dac a putea prsi n acest moment viaa fr s sufr prea mult , a fi
foarte linitit Pag. 363, 1.
If I told anything, my tale would be such as must necessarily make a profound
impression on the mind of my hearer: Pag. 683, 3.
Dac i-a fi spus ceva, povestea mea l-ar fi impresionat profund i mintea lui,
Pag. 542, 4.
2. There are some cases where the if clause is translated with Past
Indicative (Indicativ Perfect) and in the main clause it is used the
Present Indicative (Indicativul Prezent).
Ex., if there was snow, or rain, or high wind, and his sisters urged me not to
go, he would invariably make light of their so licitude, and encourage me to
accomplish the task without regard to the elements. Pag. 604, 4.
 cnd ploua sau ningea sau btea tare vntul i surorile lui m ndemnau s
nu m duc, el ntotdeauna rdea de grija lor i m ncuraja s-mi fac datoria
fr s in seama de vreme. Pag. 480, 3.
and when he was looking quite away from the door, if she appeared at it, his
cheek would glow,... Pag. 559, 2.
i cnd se uita n alt parte dect ua, dac ea se afla n pragul ei, obrajii i
ardeau i trsturile lui, Pag. 446, 3.
3. There were found some cases in which both clauses were translated
with the help of Past Indicative (Indicativ Imperfect).
Ex. if caught, it would be instantly withdrawn; yet ever and anon, it returned
searchingly to our table. Pag, 604, 3.
Dac ntlneau o alt privire, se ndeprtau imediat; dar iari i iari se
ntorceau cercettori ctre masa noastr. Pag. 480, 3.
Your master himself may be beyond the British Channel, for aught you know:
and then, if he is at Thornfield Hall, towards which you hasten, who besides
him is there? Pag. 645, 3.
Stpnul tu poate prea bine s fie pe Continent i tu s nu tii; i apoi, chiar
dace la Thornfield Hsll, ctre care te grbeti, cine e alturi de el? Pag. 513,
3.
4. There is a single example in which the main clause is translated with
the help of Present Conjunctive (Conjunctiv Prezent) and the if
clause is translated with the help of Past Indicative (Indicativ
Imperfect).
Ex. if it seemed good to Him, I might soon be taken from this lifePag. 682, 1.
Dac El socotea c e bine, s m ia curnd din aceast via i s fiu primit n
cea care va s vin Pag. 541, 2.
Imaginative conditional sentences are also called the third
conditional sentence. All the examples from the book are translated in
Romanian with the help of Past Conditional (Condiional Optativ Perfect ).
Ex. If any listener had heard me, he would have thought me mad: I
pronounced them with such frantic energy. Pag. 682, 3.
Dac m-ar fi auzit cineva, ar fi socorit c mi-am pierdut minile, cci le-am
pronunat cu violen i durere nnebunitoare. Pag. 542, 1.
If she had held it open a little longer, I believe I should have begged a piece of
bread; for I was now brought low. Pag. 498, 3.
Dac ar fi inut-o deschis ceva mai mult , cred c i-a fi cerit o bucat de
pine, cci m cuprinsese disperarea. Pag. 397, 3.

2.3 The ways of rendering Mixed Conditional Sentences

When mixed conditionals are investigated, they appear as conditional
sentences that combine two different types of conditional patterns. These
combinations are not frequent in literature as well as in our work. There were
found some examples of present result of a past condition.

Ex. If you have got your feet well warmed, I would show you your bedroom.
pag.148, 3.
Dac i-ai nclzit bine picioarele, o s te conduc n camera dumitale. Pag.
117, 4.
If I have spoken truth of Helen, she was qualified to give those who enjoyed
the privilege of her converse a taste of far higher things. Pag. 118,2.
Dac am deschis-o bine pe Helen, ea avea calitatea de a oferi celor ce se
bucurau de privilegiul unei discuii cu ea plcerea unor lucruri mult mai
elevate. Pag. 93, 3.

These examples are translated in the following ways, the if conditional

sentences are translated with the help of Present Conditional (Condiional
optativ prezent ) and the main conditional are expressed in Romanian with the
help of Future II Indicative (Viitorul II Indicativ).
Ex. If you have got your feet well warmed, I would show you your bedroom.
pag.148, 3.
Dac i-ai nclzit bine picioarele, o s te conduc n camera dumitale. Pag.
117, 4.

Other way of translating conditional sentences is to translate the if

conditional sentence with Present Conditional (Condiional optativ prezent )
and the main clause with the help of Past Indicative( Indicativ Imperfect).

Ex. If I have spoken truth of Helen, she was qualified to give those who
enjoyed the privilege of her converse a taste of far higher things. Pag. 118,2.
Dac am deschis-o bine pe Helen, ea avea calitatea de a oferi celor ce se
bucurau de privilegiul unei discuii cu ea plcerea unor lucruri mult mai
elevate. Pag. 93, 3.

Other type of mixed conditional sentences is having a past result of a

present or continuing condition. The structure is: If+ Past Simple,
would(could, might) have +Past Participle.

Ex. You ought to be aware, miss, that you are under obligations to Mrs Reed:
she keeps you: if she were to turn you off you would have to go to the poor
house.pag. 14, 10
S-ar cuveni s tii, domnioara, c i eti obligat doamnei Reed; ea te
ntreine; dac s-ar ntmpla s te alunge, ar trebui s te duci la azilul
sracilor. Pag. 26, 1.

The main clause is translated with the help of Conditional

(Conditiional Optativ) and the if clause is translated in the same way.

Ex. You ought to be aware, miss, that you are under obligations to Mrs Reed:
she keeps you: if she were to turn you off you would have to go to the poor
house.pag. 14, 10
S-ar cuveni s tii, domnioara, c i eti obligat doamnei Reed; ea te
ntreine; dac s-ar ntmpla s te alunge, ar trebui s te duci la azilul
sracilor. Pag. 26.

2.4 Difficulties of Rendering Conditional Sentences from

English into Romanian
The types of English conditionals are very different and there were a lot
of misunderstandings while collecting them from the text. When a foreign
student faces conditionals he or she has to have a good theoretical background
for not making mistakes. There are a lot of confusions between conditional
sentences and the forms with the conjunction if. Oxford Advanced Dictionary
gives the following definitions for the word If:

used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true,
depending on another thing happening or being trueIf you see him, give
him this note.I'll only stay if you offer me more money.If necessary I can
come at once.You can stay for the weekend if you like.If anyone calls,
tell them I'm not at home.If he improved his IT skills, he'd (= he
would) easily get a job.You would know what was going on if
you'd (= you had) listened.They would have been here by now if they'd
caught the early train.If I was in charge, I'd do things differently.(rather
formal) If I were in chargeEven if (= although) you did see someone,
you can't be sure it was him.
when; whenever; every timeIf metal gets hot it expands.She glares at me
if I go near her desk.
(formal) used with will or would to ask somebody politely to do
somethingIf you will sit down for a few moments, I'll tell the manager
you're here.If you would care to leave your name, we'll contact you as
soon as possible.
 used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or
more possibilitiesSYNONYM whetherDo you know if he's married?I
wonder if I should wear a coat or not.He couldn't tell if she was
laughing or crying.Listen to the tune and see if you can remember the
words.

Grammar Point
used after verbs or adjectives expressing feelingsI am sorry if I
disturbed you.I'd be grateful if you would keep it a secret.Do you mind
if I turn the TV off?
used to admit that something is possible, but to say that it is not very
importantIf she has any weakness, it is her Italian.So what if he was
late. Who cares?
used before an adjective to introduce a contrastHe's a good driver, if a
little over-confident.We'll only do it onceif at all.
used to ask somebody to listen to your opinionIf you ask me, she's too
scared to do it.If you think about it, those children must be at school by
now.If you remember, Mary was always fond of animals.
used before could, may or might to suggest something or to interrupt
somebody politelyIf I may make a suggestion, perhaps we could begin a
little earlier next week. [39]

So, while collecting the examples of conditionals, there were done many
mistakes and there were many misunderstandings. Conditional sentences were
confused with other forms with if. So there were the following examples which
were thought to be conditionals, but after a more detailed analysis they were
found to be other forms. So there were the following examples:

- Forms which express possibility:

Well lass, replied a voice within, give it her if shes a Beggar. Pag. 502,2.
D-i-l, drgu,rspunse o voce din cas, d-i-l dac e o ceretoare. Pag. 400,
2.
I knew, if shot by a surer hand, have quivered keen in his proud hearthave
called love into his stern eye, and softness into his sardonic face. Pag. 284, 2.
mi ddeam prea bine seama, dac ar fi fost trimise de o mn mai sigur, s
se nfig, vibrnd direct n inima lui mndr, aducnd iubire n privirea lui
aspr i blndee pe chipul lui batjocoritor. Pag. 225, 4..
- Forms which express a possibility, but which is not so important:
Ex: If J.E., who advertised in theshire Herald of last Thursday, possesses
the acquirements mentioned. pag. 134, 2.
Dac J.E. care a dat un anun la ziarul Crainicul de joia trecut are
calificarea menionat. Pag. 105,1.
Your master himself may be beyond the British Channel, for aught you know:
and then, if he is at Thornfield Hall, towards which you hasten, who besides
him is there? Pag. 645, 3.
Stpnul tu poate prea bine s fie pe Continent i tu s nu tii; i apoi, chiar
dace la Thornfield Hsll, ctre care te grbeti, cine e alturi de el? Pag.
513, 3.
- Forms which express feelings:

Ex.Very well, I responded, mentally, stand if you like; but you shall not go
just yet, I am determined: solitude is at least as bad for you as it is for me. Pag.
565, 3.
Foarte bine, am rspuns eu n gnd, rmi n picioare, dac aa vrei; Pag. 451,
3
She wanted to know if I was happy at Thornfield Hall, and what sort of a
person the mistress was; and when I told her there was only a master, whether
he was a nice gentleman, and if I liked him. Pag. 346, 2.
A vrut s tie dac eram fericit la Thornfield i ce fel de femeie era stpna
mea; i cnd i-am spus c nu aveam dect un stpn, m-a ntrebat dac era un
domn de treab i dac l plceam. Pag. 273, 2.
- Forms which are used to ask politely somebody to do something or to
interrupt somebody politely.
Ex: If you could not avoid it: it is weak and silly to say you CANNOT BEAR
what it isyour fate to be required to bear. Pag. 83, 3.
i totui ar fi datoria ta s nduri, cci n-ai avea ncotro. Pag. 65, 5.
If you could but be persuaded to think no more of it, aunt, and to regard me
with kindness and forgiveness. Pag. 364, 4.
Dac te-a putea convinge, mtu, s nu te gndeti la asta i s m priveti
cu buntate i ndurare Pag. 287, 4.
- Examples which were used to introduce a contrast:
Ex: Yesyesthe end is not so difficult; if I had only a brain active enough
to ferret out the means of attaining it. Pag. 131, 1.
Da-da- sfritul nu este aa de dificil; dac destul minte s trec peste toate i
s ajung acolo. Pag. 99,3.