Second conditional in English
Exercises
In this chapter you will learn about the second conditional in English. This conditional is used to express a hypothetical situation.
Lesson Outline
Hide- 1.Definition and usage of the second conditional
- 2.Second conditional structure
- 3.The second conditional consists of two clauses, the 'if clause' and the 'main clause'. The structure of the second conditional begins with the word 'if' followed by a past simpe tense that establishes the condition, which is the 'if clause'. The 'if clause' is followed by the 'main clause' which describes the result with 'would + infinitive'.
- 4.Modal verbs and conditional sentences
Definition and usage of the second conditional
The second conditional refers to situation that is now or any time and is unreal. It is used to express a hypothetical condition and its possible result.
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| To express a hypothetical situation |
|
| To expose wishes or dreams |
|
| To display warnings, advice or offer help |
|
In the second conditional, it is correct to use 'If I / he / she / it were' instead of 'If I / he / she / it was'.
Second conditional structure
The second conditional consists of two clauses, the 'if clause' and the 'main clause'. The structure of the second conditional begins with the word 'if' followed by a past simpe tense that establishes the condition, which is the 'if clause'. The 'if clause' is followed by the 'main clause' which describes the result with 'would + infinitive'.
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If you went to bed earlier, | you would not be so tired. |
| If she spoke Spanish, | she would be working in Spain. |
Modal verbs and conditional sentences
Other modal verbs, such as 'could' or 'might' can be used instead of 'would' in the second conditional tense. These modal verbs change the possibility and meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
- I could travel with you if I had more money.
- If I knew more about computers, I could fix your laptop.
- I might buy a bigger house if I earned more money.
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