SECOND CONDITIONAL SECOND CONDITIONALSECOND CONDITIONAL

SECOND CONDITIONAL

1. Second
Conditional
Sentences
By Teacher Ibel Orellana

2. If I won the lottery, I would buy a Ferrari.
if + past simple clause, would / wouldn't
+ infinitive clause.
A second conditional sentence can begin with either clause,
but if it begins with an if clause, you need to separate
the two clauses with a comma.
I would buy a Ferrari if I won the lottery.
Second
Conditional
*We use "were" with all subject pronouns in the Second Conditional (Subjunctive mood).
Second conditional sentences are made up of two
clauses:
EXAMPLES:

3. We use the second conditional to describe an unreal present situation and the
imaginary result of that situation.
If I had a million dollars, I would give half of it to charity. (I do not have a million dollars.)

 If I owned a white cat, I would name it Pearl. (I do not own a white cat.)

USES
 If I had more free time, I would read more. (I don’t have more free time.)
If I lived near a lake, I would swim more often. (I do not live near a lake.)

4. If I grew wings, I would fly to Singapore. (It is impossible that I will grow wings.)
We use the second conditional to express an improbable or impossible future
situation and the result of that improbable/impossible situation.
If I won a lot of money, I would travel to Europe. (It is improbable that I will win a lot of money.)
If I became the president, I would support green energy projects. (It is improbable that I will become president.)
If I met my favorite actor, I would ask for a photo with him. (It is improbable that I will meet my favorite actor.)

5. We also use the second conditional to express an imaginary yet possible future
situation and the results of that situation. We often use this conditional to consider
different options for future action.
If I bought a bike, I would ride it often. (So maybe I will buy a bike.)
If we ate all our meals at home, we would save about $200 every month. (So maybe we should eat at home
more often.)
If we hired one more person, we would finish the project on time. (So maybe we should hire one more person.)
If we moved to New York City, we would spend a lot more on rent. (So maybe we should not move to New
York City.)

6. We use the second conditional to give an advice. This form often has “If I were you” as the if-clause.
If I were you, I would ask Eva.
If I were you, I would visit New York City.
If I were her, I would call Zak.
If I were her, I would talk to Maria about the problem.

7. We use the second conditional to explain why we cannot do something that is usually requested or
desired by someone else. The if-clause expresses the unreal present situation that is the reason why
you cannot do something.
If I had more time, I would come to your party. (But I don’t have time.)
If I had Zak’s phone number, I would give it to you. (But I don’t have Zak’s phone number.)
If I knew her name, I would tell you. (But I don’t know her name.)
If I had another mango I would give it to you. (But I don’t have another mango.)

8. We use the second conditional to make a polite request.
I would be very grateful if you helped me with this project.
She would be really happy if you visited us this weekend.
It would be great if you introduced the speakers.
I would deeply appreciate it if you watched our child tomorrow evening.

9. Happy
learning!