Second conditional
The second conditional expresses hypothetical, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their imaginary consequences.
Table of Contents
1.Clauses Recap
1.1The Basics
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can function as a whole sentence (a main clause) or as part of a sentence ( a subordinate clause).
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause (needs more information to be a full sentence) |
|---|---|
| also called Independent Clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence |
also called Dependent Clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone; needs to be connected to an independent clause. |
| Examples: | Examples: |
| She will help me. I would go for a walk. We’ll go out. You’ll pass the test. |
If I ask her about it If it weren't that cold If the meeting ends If you study hard |
| There are different types of Subordinate clauses (see Topic Clauses). |
| We normally express a condition using an if - clause with a main clause. |
| Conditional sentences / Conditionals are often categorised as: Zero, First, Second, Third, Mixed and False. |
1.2When and If
The words Wnen and If are similar in many languages but different in English:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| If you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you may come |
| When you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you are coming. |
2.Second Conditional UNREAL / Structure
2.1Standart Forms
The second conditional expresses hypothetical, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their imaginary consequences. It deals with situations that are improbable or contrary to current reality.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Rules and Tenses Standard Form |
Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If:Past Simple Main: Future Simple in the Past (would + base verb) |
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house. | Unlikely hypothetical situation and its imaginary result, unlikely future |
| If she were here, she would help us. | Contrary to present reality (she is not here) | |
| If I were rich, I would travel the world. | Unreal present: I am not rich now |
Practice Examples
If I (win) _____ the lottery, I (buy) _____ a mansion.
If she (have) _____ more time, she (travel) _____ around the world.
If they (live) _____ in Paris, they (speak) _____ French fluently.
2.2Alternative Forms
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it’s also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Rules and Tenses Alternative |
Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If:Past Progressive (Continuous) Main:Future in the Past (would + base verb) |
If I were living in Paris, I would visit museums every day. | Hypothetical ongoing situation and its imaginary consequence, I am not living in Paris. |
| If:Past Simple could/might + base verb |
If you tried harder, you could succeed. | Hypothetical ability or possibility |
| If it were sunny, we might go to the beach. | Less certain hypothetical outcome / It is actually not sunny now. | |
| If:Past Simple Main:Future Progressive (Continuous) in the Past would be + -ing |
If I had more time, I would be traveling around the world. | Hypothetical ongoing activity, I don't have more time and I am not traveling. |
Practice Examples
If she (work) _____ late tonight, she (miss) _____ the dinner party.
If they (study) _____ right now, they (pass) _____ the exam tomorrow.
If he (drive) _____ more carefully, he (avoid) _____ accidents.
3.Use
3.1Imaginary or Unreal Situations
In Imaginary or Unreal Situations we talk about Present and Future, but impossible or very unlikely. We focus on general, timeless, or ongoing hypothetical situations, often impossible or extremely unlikely (almost dream-like).
Such situations can refer to the present or a general future (not a specific moment).
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it’s also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If I were a bird, I would fly everywhere. | I can never be a bird—this is pure imagination. |
| If she knew the answer, she would tell us. | She doesn’t know the answer (current unreal situation). |
| If we had unlimited money, we’d never work again. | Having unlimited money is impossible—this is a fantasy. |
| If he were taller, he’d play basketball professionally. | He isn’t tall (present reality makes this hypothetical). |
| If dogs could talk, they’d complain about their owners. | Dogs can’t talk—this is an unreal, playful idea. |
Practice Examples
If I (be) _____ invisible, I (sneak) _____ into movie theaters for free.
If dinosaurs still (exist) _____ , scientists (study) _____ them in person.
If the sun (be) _____ made of chocolate, it (melt) _____ and flood the solar system.
3.2Hypothetical Future Outcomes
Hypothetical Future Outcomes focus on specific future event, unlikely but not impossible. Here we talk about a specific future situation that is unlikely but theoretically possible (low chance, but not impossible, could happen under rare circumstances) and refer to a particular future moment (often with a time reference).
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it’s also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If it snowed today, schools would close. | Snow is unlikely today, but not impossible—this predicts the result. |
| If you missed the train, you’d have to take a taxi. | Missing the train is possible but not planned—this is a contingency. |
| If they offered me the job, I’d accept it immediately. | The job offer might not happen, but if it does, this is the response. |
| If she won the competition, she’d get a scholarship. | Winning is uncertain, but this describes the consequence. |
| If the power went out tonight, we’d light candles. | A power outage is possible but not expected—this is the backup plan. |
Practice Examples
If I (win) _____ the lottery tomorrow, I (quit) _____ my job immediately.
If the train (break) _____ down this evening, I (miss) _____ the concert.
If my boss (offer) _____ me a promotion next week, I (accept) _____ it.
3.3Dreams and Wishes
The second conditional expresses unrealistic dreams or wishes that are unlikely to come true.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it’s also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If time travel existed, I would visit ancient Rome. | A wish about something scientifically impossible. |
| If I were invisible, I would sneak into concerts for free. | An impossible but amusing idea. |
| If I had superpowers, I would fly like Superman. | A playful, impossible dream. |
| If I could meet any celebrity, I would choose John Lennon. | A fun, unrealistic wish about meeting a famous person. |
| If money were no object, I would buy an island. | A fantasy about unlimited wealth. |
Practice Examples
If I (be) _____ a famous musician, I (perform) _____ at Madison Square Garden.
If I (have) _____ a million dollars, I (travel) _____ around the world.
If I (can) _____ speak every language, I (work) _____ as a UN interpreter.
3.4Polite Requests
The second conditional can make requests less direct and more polite.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it’s also possible to use was in 1st and 3d Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If you had a minute, would you help me with this? | A polite way to ask for help without sounding demanding. |
| If it weren’t too much trouble, could you pass me the salt? | A softer way to make a small request. |
| If you weren’t busy, would you join me for lunch? | A gentle invitation instead of a direct question. |
| If you had the time, would you proofread my essay? | A considerate way to ask for a favor. |
| If you could lend me some money, I would pay you back next week. | A tentative and polite way to ask for a loan. |
Practice Examples
If you (have) _____ time later, (you / review) _____ my presentation?
If it (be) _____ possible, (you / consider) _____ extending the deadline?
If you (not / mind) _____ , (you / move) _____ your car slightly?
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