Notice whether a requirement or a recurring event is meant.
The idea
Siempre que with the subjunctive can mean provided that. Cada vez que marks each occurrence; habitual facts take the indicative.
| Expresión | Uso |
|---|---|
| siempre que + subjuntivo | condición |
| cada vez que + indicativo | ocasiones habituales |
Examples
- Te presto la bicicleta siempre que uses casco.I will lend you the bicycle provided you wear a helmet.
- Podemos abrir la ventana siempre que no llueva.We can open the window provided it does not rain.
- El equipo viajará siempre que consiga financiación.The team will travel provided it obtains funding.
- Cada vez que suena la campana, el perro ladra.Every time the bell rings, the dog barks.
- Cada vez que visitamos el puerto, compramos pescado.Every time we visit the port, we buy fish.
- La luz parpadea cada vez que arranca el motor.The light flickers every time the engine starts.
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Watch out
Siempre que can also mean whenever with the indicative, so context and mood matter.
Try it yourself
Express a condition. Te acompaño ___ termines antes de las seis.
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siempre que
siempre que: finishing early is required for the accompaniment.
Emphasize each repeated occasion. ___ abren la panadería, huele a pan.
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cada vez que
cada vez que: the bakery opening is a recurring occasion.
Express a condition. Habrá concierto ___ mejore el tiempo.
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siempre que
siempre que: the concert depends on better weather.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Express a condition. Te acompaño ___ termines antes de las seis.
Emphasize each repeated occasion. ___ abren la panadería, huele a pan.
Express a condition. Habrá concierto ___ mejore el tiempo.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write one condition and one repeated event.