Protasis (linguistics)

In linguistics, a protasis is the subordinate clause (the if-clause) in a conditional sentence. For example, in "if X, then Y", the protasis is "if X". The other clause ("then Y") is called the apodosis.

In logic, the apodosis corresponds to the consequent, the protasis to the antecedent.

Examples of protases

• "...if you had slept well last night."
• "...if I were a better person..."
• "...if x < y."
• "If you should go to the circus."
• "If you value our friendship..."

See also

• Apodosis
• Conditional sentence