Second Conditional - Third Unit

INTRODUCTION

The Second Conditional is used to talk about 'impossible' situations.

Ø  If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park.

Ø  If I had millions dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.

Ø  If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.

Ø  If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease.

 

Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people think 'was' is equally 'correct' .)

Ø  If she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one.

Ø  If I lived in Japan, I'd have sushi every day.

Ø  If they were to enter our market, we'd have big problems.

Ø  Note the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.

Ø  If I were you, I'd look for a new place to live.

Ø  If I were you, I'd go back to school and get more qualifications.

Ø  The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

Ø  If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall.

Ø  If I was the President, I'd reduce taxes.

Ø  If you were in my position, you'd understand.

Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. Compare these examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.

Ø  Otto – If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house.

Ø  Peter – If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house.

Ø  Otto – If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party.

Ø  Peter – If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party.

Ø  Otto – If my team win the Cup, I'll buy champagne for everybody.

Ø  Peter – If my team won the Cup, I'd buy champagne for everybody.

 Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.

Ø  If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.

Ø  If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.

Ø  If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.

 Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

Ø  What would I do without you? ("if you weren't here")

Ø  Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I wanted one")

Ø  He wouldn't agree. ("if I asked him")

 

Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

Ø  If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.

Ø  If she were coming, she would be here by now.

Ø  If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.

 

Exercises

Ø  If we (have) a yacht, we (sail) the seven seas.

Ø  If he (have) more time, he (learn) karate.

Ø  If they (tell) their father, he (be) very angry.

Ø  She (spend) a year in the USA if it (be) easier to get a green card.

Ø  If I (live) on a lonely island, I (run) around naked all day.

Ø  We (help) you if we (know) how.

Ø  My brother (buy) a sports car if he (have) the money.

Ø  If I (feel) better, I (go) to the cinema with you.

Ø  If you (go) by bike more often, you (be / not) so flabby.

Ø  She (not / talk) to you if she (be) mad at you.

 

Ø  If you (send) this letter now, she (receive) it tomorrow.

Ø  If I (do) this test, I (improve) my English.

Ø  If I (find) your ring, I (give) it back to you.

Ø  Peggy (go) shopping if she (have) time in the afternoon.

Ø  Simon (go) to London next week if he (get) a cheap flight.

Ø  If her boyfriend (phone / not) today, she (leave) him.

Ø  If they (study / not) harder, they (pass / not) the exam.

Ø  If it (rain) tomorrow, I (have to / not) water the plants.

Ø  You (be able/ not) to sleep if you (watch) this scary film.

Ø  Susan (can / move / not) into the new house if it (be / not) ready on time.

 

Phrasal Verbs- Third Unit