second conditional of grammar. contents 1.formform 2.usageusage 3.notesnotes 4.alternatives to...
TRANSCRIPT
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.
BACK
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.
BACK
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.
BACK
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.
BACK