Second Conditional

Second Conditional

1. The second conditional is formed by a condition (introduced by if) and by a main sentence expressing the consequence. The phrase that expresses the condition can precede or follow that which indicates the consequence. The two sentences are separated by a comma only if the sentence with if precedes the one with the consequence . Both sentences can be affirmative or negative depending on the expressed meaning.

   • Affirmative: If + simple past + subject + would + subject + base form of the verb. Example: If I had time, I’d go to Uruguay on vacation.
   • Negative: If + subject + simple past + subject + would + not + base form of the verb Example: If he had a choice, he wouldn’t go camping.
   • Interrogative: Would + subject + base form of the verb + if + subject + simple past + ? Example: Would you help her if she asked you?
   • Short aswers: Yes + subject pronoun+ would. Example: Yes, they would. No + subject pronoun+ wouldn’t. Example: No, they wouldn’t.

2. The second conditional is used to talk about a hypothetical or imaginary situationvin the present or in the future, which is different from reality. Example: If you were a few days older, you’de be in my class.

3. In formal English, we use the form were for all people in the sentence introduced by if. In modern and colloquial English, was is normally used. Example: I'd ask her to come with us if she was (or were) free.

4. Unless has the same meaning as if...not. Unless is followed by the affirmative form of the verb. Example: We wouldn't go skiing unless you came with us.

5. In the second conditional you can use might or could instead of would in the main phrase. You use might to indicate doubt about the result and could to indicate that the consequence is an ability or possibility. Example: If I had time, I'd go to Montevideo with him.