Protasis and Apodosis: A Grammar Guide

Protasis and apodosis are fancy names for grammar concepts that you may already recognize. If you know what a conditional sentence is, then you know more about protasis and apodosis than you think.

See what I did there?

Don’t let these elaborate names intimidate you. Apodosis and protasis are grammar concepts you can easily understand once you break down a sentence by its clauses.

So, what are protasis and apodosis? What role do they play in a conditional sentence? And how do you remember the difference between apodosis and protasis?

If you keep reading, you’ll soon know these answers!

What is a Conditional Sentence?

In order to understand protasis and apodosis, you first must comprehend the concept of the conditional sentence.

A conditional sentence is a statement that expresses a condition. In other words, a conditional sentence presents a hypothetical scenario and the result or consequence if that scenario occurs.

Examples:

If we win tonight’s game, we’re going out to celebrate.

I would buy that TV if I had more money.

When pigs fly, Mom will drive you to the fair.

A conditional sentence is composed of two clauses: a dependent clause and an independent clause. And it’s these clauses that we know as protasis and apodosis.

What is Protasis?

Protasis is the dependent clause of the conditional sentence that describes the condition. Of the two clauses, protasis presents a theoretical situation that has not yet occurred.  

Think of protasis as the “if” or “when” clause of the sentence.

Examples:

If we win tonight’s game, we’re going out to celebrate.

I would buy that TV if I had more money.

When pigs fly, Mom will drive you to the fair.

The protasis (in bold) is the dependent clause because it relies on the independent clause to make sense.

For example, “if we win tonight’s game” can’t stand as its own sentence—it relies on the independent clause of “we’re going out to celebrate” in order to be comprehendible.

What is Apodosis?

Apodosis is the independent clause of the conditional sentence that describes the consequence of the condition happening. Of the two clauses, apodosis presents the result should the theoretical situation occur.

Apodosis is recognized as the main clause of a conditional sentence:

Examples:

If we win tonight’s game, we’re going out to celebrate.

I would buy that TV if I had more money.

When pigs fly, Mom will drive you to the fair.

The apodosis (in bold) is the independent clause because it can, in theory, stand on its own as a sentence if it weren’t part of a conditional sentence.

For example, “we’re going out to celebrate” can technically be a sentence—what makes it part of a conditional sentence is that the dependent clause of “if we win tonight’s game” must happen in order for the apodosis to be a true statement.

What’s the Difference Between Protasis and Apodosis?

Let’s look at the origin of each word—that way, we’ll have an easier time remembering which clause matches either apodosis or protasis.

Protasis comes from the Ancient Greek word prótasis meaning “proposition.” Because a proposition can be defined as “a suggested program or plan of action,” we can easily see how the protasis is the proposed hypothetical situation of the conditional sentence.

Apodosis comes from the Ancient Greek word apodidonai meaning “to give back or deliver.” This makes sense for apodosis, as the independent clause gives back or delivers a result should the condition occur.

Still not clear enough? Here are easier ways to remember the difference between protasis and apodosis:

Protasis: “proposition,” dependent clause, if/when clause

Apodosis: delivers result of if/when clause, independent clause, can be a standalone sentence

How do you apply protasis and apodosis within your writing? Share in the comments section below.