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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