Second Conditional

Second Conditional

1. Used to talk about unlikely, impossible, hypotetical or imaginary present/future situations/events.

   • Ex. If I were a witch I would put a spell in the world in order to stop climate change. (I'm not a witch so I can´t really stop climate change)

2. Rule: If + Past simple +would/could/ might + verb in infinitive

   • The use of "would" and Past Simple change the meaning from real to unreal.
   • >Would: impossible or unlikely >Might: unlikely but possible >Could: ability (would be able to)
     • Ex. 1) If I went to dance lessons, I would be a better dancer (but its unlikely that happens) 2) If I went to dance lessons, I might be a better dancer (its unlikely but possible) 3) If i went to dance lessons , I could be a better dancer (It is still unlikely but it's an option/ Often seen as an idea to solve a problem or suggestion)

3. Great to....

   • Express advice (in a polite/professional way)
     • Ex. If I were you, I wouldn´t invest in that project.
   • Talk about unlakely/impossible situations
     • What would you do if you could be president for a day?
   • Imagine different future outcomes
     • If aliens came to earth, they would study us as we study ants.
   • Express regret or wish for a different reality
     • If I knew what is going on, maybe I could help him.

4. Exercises:

   • 1) Think about some examples when you wish for something that is impossibleor unlikely.
     • a) If I had more time to deliver all my homework, I would be really happy.
       • b) If I spoke English perfectly, I would apply CAE test and try to give classes or tutorials.
         • c) If my friends and I were doing terrible at a subject at school, I would organize a study session at my place so we wouldn't fail.
           • d) If my friends and I were able to go out now I would invite them to my place to play videogames or just to hang out .
   • 2)Now, could you provide some advice?
     • A) If I were you, I would tell Zoe the truth, she deserves to know.
       • B)If I were Christina's father, I wouldn't at that time of the year. It's very expensive.
         • C) If I were the president, I would advice all the citizens to stay at home or, at least, to stop going to places that are known for agglomeration.
           • D) If I were your boss,I wouldn't put my employees under such levels of stress.
             • E) If I were you I would stop eating so much meat, you also need vitamins from vegetables.
   • 3)And finally, can you use would, might and could in different sentences and explain the slight difference in their meaning?
     • I. If I could go back in time I think I wouldn't change anything. (It is impossible that I could go back in time. It's imagining I could)
     • II. If he invited me to his party, I could manage a way to convince my parents to let me go. (It's an idea to solve the problem of going to the party imagining I was invited)
     • If my crush and I talked more often, I might ask him out. (Imagining we spoke more often there is a posibility I asked him out, but still it's unlikely)