In English we use the second conditional to talk about situations or actions in the present or future, which are not likely to happen or are imaginary, hypothetical or impossible.
Example Sentences :
The 'if phrase' can come first or second.
Notes for use of second conditional :
With the verb 'be' you can use 'were' instead of 'was' after I/he/she/it.
Example Sentences :
In English we can use 'could' or 'might' in the main clause instead of 'would'. We can use 'could' instead of 'would' to talk about ability or possibility, and we can use 'might' instead of 'would' to mean 'would perhaps'.
Example Sentences :
Even if = it doesn't matter if the situation in the if clause exists or not.
In English we can use other words to replace 'if' in conditionals.
Provided/ as long as = only if this happens
Assuming = accepting that something is true.
In English we can use these words as an alternative for 'if' in questions.
In English we can use these alternatives for 'if' in other conditionals to talk about real situations.
We can say provided or providing and suppose or supposing.
We can also use 'unless' in conditionals to mean 'if not'.
Second Conditional Questions :
In English we often make questions in the second conditional with What would you do ...? This phrase can come at the beginning or the end of the question.
First Conditional VS Second Conditional :
First conditional : If she studies hard, she'll pass the exam. = She's a good student and I think she might pass the exam = possible situation
Second conditional : If she studied hard, she'd pass the exam. = She's not a good student and she never studies, so I don't think she will pass the exam = imaginary situation
Second conditional example sentences | |
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Hi, I would be very surprised if you were on time! | Salut, j'aurais été vraiment surpris si tu avais été là à temps ! |
If you could find an undamaged packet, it would be better. | Si vous pouviez en trouver un sans un emballage endommagé, ça serait mieux. |
It would be so great if you could fit us in! | Ça serait tellement bien si vous pouviez nous caser quelque part ! |
Would you mind if we dropped by and just had a drink there? | Ça ne te dérange pas d'y aller et de boire un verre là-bas? |
Hey, what would you do if the same old lady opened the door? | Hé, tu ferrais quoi si la même vieille dame ouvrait? |
I put the wine in the freezer, if it's cold, that would be nice. | J'ai mis le vin dans le congélateur, s'il est froid ça devrait aller. |
If Bear were my dog, I would be taking him out less. | Si Bear était mon chien, je le sortirais moins. |
I guess that would be perfect if you could really do it! | Je pense que ça aurait été parfait si tu pouvais réellement le faire ! |