Spanish Phrase
Revisa los cables por si están dañados.
Meaning
Check the cables in case they are damaged. The speaker is asking someone to inspect the cables as a precaution, implying that damage could cause a problem later.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want someone to examine electrical or data cables before using equipment, after a fall, or when troubleshooting a malfunction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Revisaloscablesporsiestándañados
Imperative (tú) - Revisa
The verb 'revisar' in the affirmative tú imperative drops the -s, becoming 'revisa', used to give a direct command.
Definite article + noun - los cables
The definite article 'los' agrees in gender and number with the masculine plural noun 'cables'.
Por si + subjunctive/indicative
The expression 'por si' introduces a precautionary clause; it is followed by the indicative when the condition is considered possible, as in 'por si están dañados'.
Verb estar + adjective - están dañados
The verb 'estar' is used with past participles to describe a temporary state; 'dañados' means 'damaged'.
🗨In Conversation
Revisa los cables por si están dañados.
Check the cables in case they're damaged.
Claro, los revisaré ahora mismo.
Sure, I'll check them right now.
✕Common Mistakes
Revisar los cables por si están dañados.
Missing the imperative form; you need 'Revisa' to give a direct command.
por si están dañado.
The adjective must agree in number with 'cables'; use 'dañados'.
por si están dañada.
Gender agreement error; 'cables' is masculine plural, so 'dañados' is required.
↔Alternatives
Comprueba los cables por si están rotos.
Check the cables in case they are broken.
Verifica los cables para asegurarte de que no estén dañados.
Verify the cables to make sure they aren't damaged.
Echa un vistazo a los cables por si tienen algún daño.
Take a look at the cables in case they have any damage.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking workplaces, safety checks are often phrased as precautionary commands using 'por si'. It sounds polite yet firm, and it avoids sounding overly alarmist. Remember that 'dañado' can refer to both physical damage and functional failure, so context matters.