SECOND

CONDITIONAL

of grammar

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.

Form
Usage
Notes
Alternatives to If

1. Form
If

If

Ex: If

Condition

Result

Past simple

Would+ base verb

I won the lottery

I would by a car.

I had much money, Id 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
Were I Tom, I would refuse it.
Ex 2: If these biscuits should arrive in a damaged
condition, please inform the factory at once.
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 wasnt told by Jane, he couldnt know the
truth.
Unless he was told by Jane, he couldnt
know the truth.

4. Alternatives to If
I wouldnt be surprised
This expresses uncertainty. An additional not can
be added in formal expression involving doubt.
Ex: I wouldnt be surprised if it didnt 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?

4. Alternatives to If
If it were not for
This describes how one event depends on
another?
Ex: If it werent for Tim, this company would
be in a mess.
Supposing/suppose
This is mainly used in everyday speech
Ex: Supposing you won the football pools,
what would you do?

4. Alternatives to If
But for:
This can replace if not. It is used in formal language and
must be followed by a noun form
Ex: But for your help, I would be in trouble now.

Even if &whether.not
Ex: I wouldnt go on a camping holiday even if you paid
me.
Joanna wouldnt want a dog even if she had room to
keep one.
She wouldnt want a dog whether she had room for
one or not.

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