Second Conditional

Second Conditional

1. To imagine life is diferent

   • If this happened, that would happen
     • If + Past simple,... would + infinitive
       • The past tense is indicating a distance from reality. It is not indicating past time
     • Examples:
       • If I had enough money, I would buy a house
         • If I didn't finish my homework, I wouldn't tell my teacher

2. To ask hypotetical questions

   • What would you do if you quit your job?
   • If you won a million dollars, would you travel to the world?
   • COULD can be used meaning "If you were able to, If it were posible"
     • The verb that follows "could" is in infinitive form
   • Examples
     • If you could travel to any country, where would you go

3. To give advice

   • Examples
     • If I were you, I'd talk to my boss before I quit my job
       • If I were her, I'd break up with him

4. To give reasons why

   • Examples
     • If I had the money, I'd lend it to you
       • If I wasn't so busy, I would invite you over for dinner

5. Things in the future that are unlikely

6. Things that are impossible in the present

7. Extra tips

   • "If" is a conjunction
   • You can change de order of your clauses
   • Subject + would are usually contracted when spoken
   • The hypotetical questions always starts with "would"
   • It breaks grammar rules using the verb BE
     • I were, He were, She were, It were
     • WERE it's more formal

8. Anel López Espinosa, Inglés 2, Lunes y Miércoles 9:00-11:00