Second Conditional Sentences
1. Use
It is theoretically possible to fulfill a condition which is given in the if-clause although it is unlikely to happen.
2. Form
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| Simple Past | would + infinitive |
| could + infinitive | |
| might + infinitive |
3. Examples
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| If I won the lottery, | I would buy a big house. |
| If I won the lottery, | I could buy a big house. |
| If I won the lottery, | I might buy a big house. |
The if-clause can be at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| If I won the lottery, | I would buy a big house. |
| main clause | if clause |
|---|---|
| I would buy a big house, | If I won the lottery. |
4. Grammar Point
The above examples in the main clauses are known grammatically as the Conditional Simple. It is also possible to have the main clause in a continuous tense i.e:
| if clause | main clause |
|---|---|
| If I had more time, | I would be studying harder |
This is known grammatically as the Conditional Continuous
5. First Conditional and Second Conditional
The first conditional describes things that I think are likely to happen in the future, whereas the second conditional talks about things that I don’t think will really happen. It’s subjective; it depends on my point of view.
For example (first conditional): If he studies harder, he’ll pass the test (I think it’s possible he will study harder and so he’ll pass).
But (second conditional): If he studied harder, he would pass the exam (I think that he won’t study harder, or it’s very unlikely, and so he won’t pass).