Page 69 - Grasp English B1 (Grammar Book)

Gatherings 11

Second conditional (if clause type 2)

We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary situations and their results in the present or
future time. See the following structure:

Condition (past simple) Result (would/could + V1) The speaker imagines
that he/she is in a
If
bigger city; however,
I lived in a bigger city, I would find a better-paid job. he/she is not.

As you see above, the condition clause is formed in the simple past tense, and the main clause
is formed as would/could +V1. These two clauses are also interchangeable as they are in other
conditional forms.
The second conditional is used to talk about imaginary or dreams.
e.g.
If I had more money, I would move houses. [But I don’t have more money]
We also use the second conditional to talk about unlikely situations.
e.g.
I would help the poor people if I were the President. [But it is unlikely that I will to be the President]
To give advice or offer an opinion, the second conditional can be used. In this case, if I were you…
is frequently used.
e.g.
If I were you, I wouldn’t call him again. [But I’m not you]
If I were the manager, I wouldn’t let Uma be late every morning. [But I’m not the manager]

Question forms are common, especially in spoken language.
e.g.
What would you do if you were rich?
Would you be happy if you were a professional musician?

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