Second conditional
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Transcript of Second conditional
SECOND CONDITIONAL
SECOND CONDITIONAL
of grammar
Contents
1. Form
2. Usage
3. Notes
4. Alternatives to “If”
1. Form
If Condition Result
Past simple Would+ base verb
If I won the lottery I would by a car.
Ex: If I had much money, I’d buy a comfortable apartment.
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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.
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?
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.
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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.
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)
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)
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
Ex 2: If these biscuits should arrive in a damaged
condition, please inform the factory at once.
Were I Tom, I would refuse it.
Should these biscuits arrive in a damaged condition, please inform the factory at once.
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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.
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?
If it were not forThis describes how one event depends on
another?Ex: If it weren’t for Tim, this company would
be in a mess.Supposing/supposeThis is mainly used in everyday speechEx: Supposing you won the football pools,
what would you do?
4. Alternatives to “If”
4. Alternatives to “If”
But for:This can replace if not. It is used in formal language and
must be followed by a noun formEx: But for your help, I would be in trouble now.
Even if &whether….notEx: 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.
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