LoginConditional II
In this article, you'll dive into the second conditional, like 'If he were taller, he would play basketball'. Detailed explanations and a quiz are included to test your knowledge.
What Are Second Conditionals?
The second conditional is a type of conditional sentence used to describe an unlikely or impossible hypothetical situation in the present or future. The second conditional is often used in everyday conversation to talk about unrealistic or hypothetical situations.
Conditional II: Structure
The structure of a second conditional sentence includes a condition clause that presents a hypothetical condition using the past simple tense, and a main clause that indicates the hypothetical result using a modal verb (such as 'would', 'could', or 'might') plus the base form of the verb.
Thus, the structure is as follows:
[condition marker + past simple tense] + [Modals (would/could) + base form of verb]
Take a look at some examples:
If I were rich, I could buy that car.
Using the second conditional, the speaker is imagining having a lot of money.
If I had a son, I would name him Johnathan.
Punctuation
The order of clauses in a conditional sentence does not affect the meaning of the sentence, but it affects use of punctuation. If the condition clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it must be followed by a comma (,). For example:
If she won the lottery, she could move to the USA.
However, if the sentence begins with the main clause, there is no need for a comma between the two clauses.
She could move to the USA if she won the lottery.
Verb Tenses
In addition to the most common past simple tense, the condition clause in the second conditional can also be in the past continuous tense. In both cases, the past tense does not indicate the past time. Rather, it indicates distance from reality.
If she knew the answer, she would tell you.
past simple
If you were listening, you would understand.
past continuous
Modals
Modal verbs like could, would, and might are commonly used in the main clause of a second conditional sentence. Each of these modals indicates a specific meaning. Check out the examples:
If I had 100$, I would buy that designer handbag.
Here, the speaker is certain that if she had 100$ she would definitely buy that bag.
If I had 100$, I might buy that designer handbag.
Here, it is not certain that the speaker would buy that bag even if she had 100$.
If I had 100$, I could buy that designer handbag.
Here, the speaker is focusing on the her ability to buy the handbag if she had 100$.
'To Be' Verb
In most contexts, the past tense of the verb 'to be' is conjugated in two forms: 'was' and 'were.'
However, in second conditionals, the past form of 'be' for all persons and numbers is 'were'. This is because the second conditional is talking about a situation that does not conform to reality, and falls within the scope of the subjunctive mood.
If I were a millionaire, I would buy a mansion.
If I was a millionaire, I would buy a mansion.
This is wrong. If you want to state a second conditional, you should use 'were' instead of 'was'.
Condition Markers
The most common condition markers for second conditionals are 'if' and 'unless.' For example:
If you knew the truth, you would be shocked.
Unless she were sick, she'd be here.
Inversion
You can also use inversion with the auxiliary 'were' to form conditionals without 'if.' Here are some examples:
If she were here, she'd help us. → Were she here, she'd help us.
If I were rich, I'd buy a castle. → Were I rich, I'd buy a castle.
This form of inversion only works when the main verb of the condition clause is 'be.' When the main verb is anything other than 'be,' its to-infinitive form can follow the inverted 'were' to form the second conditional. This structure is particularly applicable in conditionals with a future time reference. For example:
If you asked her, she might agree. → Were you to ask her, she might agree.
If aliens invaded, governments would panic. → Were aliens to invade, governments would panic.
Zero Marker
You can use a past participle at the beginning of the condition clause to introduce a passive condition, without any condition marker or inversion. Keep in mind that this structure only works with verbs that can be made passive. For example:
Given the opportunity, she would relocate abroad."
Equivalent to: "If they gave her the opportunity, she would relocate abroad."
Treated fairly, workers would protest less.
Or "If you treated workers fairly, they would protest less."
Second Conditionals vs. First Conditionals
The main difference between the first conditional and the second conditional is the level of likelihood or probability of the event or situation being described. The first conditional is used to describe a possible future event or situation that is likely to happen, given a certain condition. It is often used to talk about plans, predictions, or warnings. On the other hand, the second conditional is used to describe an unlikely, hypothetical, or impossible situation in the present or future.
With respect to structure, in the first conditional, the condition clause is usually formed with the present simple tense, and the main clause is formed with a modal verb (such as 'will', 'should', 'can') plus the base form of the verb, while in the second conditional the condition clause is formed with the past simple tense, and the main clause is formed with a modal verb (such as 'would', 'could', or 'might') plus the base form of the verb. Compare the examples:
If I became a doctor, I would cure cancer.
This sentence is a second conditional. Therefore, this situation is imaginary or unlikely.
If I become a doctor, I will cure cancer.
This sentence is a first conditional. This situation is more likely.
Review
Conditional sentences are used to indicate that the action in the main clause can only take place if a certain condition (introduced in the condition clause) is met. Type II conditionals talk about hypothetical situations in the present and future. The structure of second conditional sentences is as follows:
condition clause | always in past tense |
|---|---|
main clause | using modals like: could, would, and might |
If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
If he had time, he would help.
Quiz:
Sort the words to form a correct second conditional sentence.
Which modal verb best completes this sentence to show hypothetical ability? "If I spoke French, I ................ work in Paris."
would
might
could
should
Fill in the blanks using the correct form of verb in the second conditional.
She
(travel) the world if she
(win) the lottery.
If he
(be) taller, he
(play) basketball professionally.
(be) I rich, I would travel the world.
Were they
(offer) me the role, I would accept it immediately.
(treat) fairly, employees would perform better.
Which of these sentences does not correctly express a second conditional?
Were she call, I would answer immediately.
If he were taller, he could reach the shelf.
Unless they were busy, they would help us.
Given more time, we would finish the project.
Choose true or false for each statement.
The second conditional is used to talk about real and likely future situations. | |
Changing the order of the clauses in a second conditional changes the meaning. | |
Inversion is required in all second conditional sentences. | |
First and second conditionals differ in the verb tenses used and the likelihood of the outcome. | |
The subjunctive form "were" is required for all subjects in the second conditional when using the verb "to be." |
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