Conditional Sentences with Agar and Toh

The logic is simple: Condition + Result. You start with the condition (the "if" part) and follow it with the consequence (the "then" part). In English, we often drop the word "then" (e.g., "If you go, I go"). In Hindi, it's the opposite! You can often drop the Agar, but you must keep the Toh. Think of Toh as the bridge connecting your two thoughts. Without it, your sentence falls into a ravine of confusion. It's the traffic light that tells the listener, "Okay, condition over, here comes the result!"

1. 1Building these sentences is like making a sandwich. Here is your recipe:
2. 2Start with Agar (If). This is optional but good for emphasis.
3. 3Add your Condition Clause (The situation).
4. 4IMPORTANT: Insert to or toh (Then). This is your glue.
5. 5Finish with the Result Clause (What happens next).
6. 6The structure looks like this:
7. 7Agar + [Subject] + [Verb Phrase 1] + toh + [Subject] + [Verb Phrase 2]

Use this pattern whenever one action depends on another. It's perfect for:

• Making plans: "If it rains, we will stay home."
• Bargaining: "If you give a discount, I will buy two."
• Warnings: "If you eat that, you will get sick."
• Hypheticals: "If I were a bird, I would fly."

Don't use this for things that are happening *right now* or factual statements that don't depend on a condition. For example, "I am eating because I am hungry" is a cause-and-effect statement, not a conditional one. Also, avoid this structure for simple "when" clauses unless there's a strong condition implied. If you just mean "When I go home..." use Jab... Tab... instead of Agar... Toh....

The biggest trap for English speakers is the tense. In English, we say "If you come (present), I will go." In Hindi, logic dictates that if the condition is in the future, the verb should be too! So we say, "If you will come, I will go." (Agar tum aaoge, toh main jaunga). Using the present tense in the first part is a dead giveaway that you're translating in your head. Also, never forget the toh. It's non-negotiable. Omitting toh is like wearing socks without shoes—technically possible, but it feels wrong and people will stare.

As mentioned, Agar... Toh... (If... Then...) is often confused with Jab... Tab... (When... Then...). The difference is certainty. Use Jab when you know something *will* happen (time-based). Use Agar when you aren't sure (possibility-based). "When I grow up" is Jab. "If I win the lottery" is definitely Agar (unless you know something we don't).