Second conditional
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This document discusses the second conditional in English grammar. It explains that the second conditional refers to unlikely or imaginary present situations. The form uses "if" followed by the past simple in the if-clause and "would + base verb" in the main clause. Examples are provided to illustrate how the second conditional is used to talk about unlikely future situations, give advice by saying "if I were you," and note alternatives to "if" like "if only," "unless," and "were to."
Second conditional
- 3. 1. Form If Ex: If Result Past simple If Condition Would+ base verb I won the lottery I would by a car. I had much money, I’d buy a comfortable apartment. BACK
- 4. 2. Usage Conditional Sentences Type II refer to situations in the present. An action could happen if the present situation were different. Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation. I would like to send an invitation to a friend. I have looked everywhere for her address, but I cannot find it. So now I think it is rather unlikely that I will eventually find her address.
- 5. 2. Usage We use the second conditional to talk about: Possible but unlikely situations in the future and whether they will happen or not Or: We can use it to describe imaginary present situations If you saw an accident, what would you do?
- 6. 2. Usage We also use it for giving advice. This is very common: If I were you, I would... Ex: If I were you, I would stay at home and do my homework. BACK
- 7. 3. Notes Were instead of Was: In IF Clauses Type II, we usually use “were”– even if the pronoun is I, he, she or it. Ex: If I were you, I would not do this. The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma. Ex: I would go mad if he became a singer.
- 8. 3. Notes Might and could can be used instead of would: Ex: -If you tried again, you would succeed. (certain result) -If you tried again, you might succeed. (possible result) -If you tried again, you could succeed. (ability)
- 9. 3. Notes We never use would, or wouldn't in the if clause. We only use would to indicate politeness Ex: If you would sit here, I will make you a cup of coffee.( Sit here please and I will make you a cup of coffee)
- 10. 3. Notes Inversion of subject and auxiliary If+ subject+ auxiliary can be replaced by inversion of auxiliary and subject with “if” omitted: Ex 1: If I were Tom, I would refuse it Were I Tom, I would refuse it. Ex 2: If these biscuits should arrive in a damaged condition, please inform the factory at once. Should these biscuits arrive in a damaged condition, please inform the factory at once. BACK
- 11. 4. Alternatives to “If” If only: This emphasizes hypothetical situations, the second part of the sentence is often left out: Ex: If only I had enough time, I would take up another hobby. Unless: This means only if not. Ex: If he wasn’t told by Jane, he couldn’t know the truth. Unless he was told by Jane, he couldn’t know the truth.
- 12. 4. Alternatives to “If” I wouldn’t be surprised This expresses uncertainty. An additional not can be added in formal expression involving doubt. Ex: I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t rain. (I think it will rain) Were to: This also makes an event seem more hypothetical. Ex: If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say?
- 13. 4. Alternatives to “If” If it were not for This describes how one event depends on another? Ex: If it weren’t for Tim, this company would be in a mess. Supposing/suppose This is mainly used in everyday speech Ex: Supposing you won the football pools, what would you do?
- 14. 4. Alternatives to “If” But for: This can replace if not. It is used in formal language and must be followed by a noun form Ex: But for your help, I would be in trouble now. Even if &whether….not Ex: I wouldn’t go on a camping holiday even if you paid me. Joanna wouldn’t want a dog even if she had room to keep one. She wouldn’t want a dog whether she had room for one or not. BACK