Explanation
This is a memory sentence for the tense sequences used in French "si" (if) clauses. Take the first letter of each word to reveal what it represents:
- Some → Si
- Pigs → Présent
- Fly → Futur
- In → Imparfait
- Canada → Conditionnel
- Purposefully → Plus-que-parfait
- Calling → Conditionnel
- Pork → Passé
Example: each pair below is one valid "si" clause, matching the three tense combinations in the mnemonic.
- Si + Présent, Futur: "Si tu viens, je serai content." (If you come, I will be happy.)
- Si + Imparfait, Conditionnel: "Si tu venais, je serais content." (If you came, I would be happy.)
- Si + Plus-que-parfait, Conditionnel passé: "Si tu étais venu, j'aurais été content." (If you had come, I would have been happy.)