1. SECOND
CONDITIONAL
of grammar

2. Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
Form
Usage
Notes
Alternatives to “If”

3. 1. Form
If
Ex: If
Result
Past simple
If
Condition
Would+ base verb
I won the lottery
I would by a car.
I had much money, I’d buy a comfortable apartment.
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4. 2. Usage
Conditional Sentences Type II refer to situations
in the present. An action could happen if the
present situation were different.
Example: If I found her address, I would send
her an invitation.
I would like to send an invitation to a friend. I
have looked everywhere for her address, but I
cannot find it. So now I think it is rather unlikely
that I will eventually find her address.

5. 2. Usage
We use the second conditional to talk
about:
Possible but unlikely situations in the
future and whether they will happen or not
Or: We can use it to describe imaginary
present situations
If you saw an accident, what would you do?

6. 2. Usage
We also use it for giving advice. This is
very common:
If I were you, I would...
Ex: If I were you, I would stay at home and do
my homework.
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7. 3. Notes
Were instead of Was: In IF Clauses Type II, we
usually use “were”– even if the pronoun is I, he,
she or it.
Ex: If I were you, I would not do this.
The main clause can also be at the beginning of
the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.
Ex: I would go mad if he became a singer.

8. 3. Notes
Might and could can be used instead of
would:
Ex: -If you tried again, you would succeed.
(certain result)
-If you tried again, you might succeed.
(possible result)
-If you tried again, you could succeed.
(ability)

9. 3. Notes
We never use would, or wouldn't in the if
clause. We only use would to indicate
politeness
Ex: If you would sit here, I will make you a
cup of coffee.( Sit here please and I will
make you a cup of coffee)

10. 3. Notes
Inversion of subject and auxiliary
If+ subject+ auxiliary can be replaced by inversion
of auxiliary and subject with “if” omitted:
Ex 1: If I were Tom, I would refuse it
Were I Tom, I would refuse it.
Ex 2: If these biscuits should arrive in a damaged
condition, please inform the factory at once.
Should these biscuits arrive in a damaged
condition, please inform the factory at once.
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11. 4. Alternatives to “If”
If only:
This emphasizes hypothetical situations, the
second part of the sentence is often left out:
Ex: If only I had enough time, I would take up
another hobby.
Unless:
This means only if not.
Ex: If he wasn’t told by Jane, he couldn’t know the
truth.
Unless he was told by Jane, he couldn’t
know the truth.

12. 4. Alternatives to “If”
I wouldn’t be surprised
This expresses uncertainty. An additional not can
be added in formal expression involving doubt.
Ex: I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t rain. (I think it
will rain)
Were to:
This also makes an event seem more hypothetical.
Ex: If I were to ask you to marry me, what would
you say?

13. 4. Alternatives to “If”
If it were not for
This describes how one event depends on
another?
Ex: If it weren’t for Tim, this company would
be in a mess.
Supposing/suppose
This is mainly used in everyday speech
Ex: Supposing you won the football pools,
what would you do?

14. 4. Alternatives to “If”
But for:
This can replace if not. It is used in formal language and
must be followed by a noun form
Ex: But for your help, I would be in trouble now.
Even if &whether….not
Ex: I wouldn’t go on a camping holiday even if you paid
me.
Joanna wouldn’t want a dog even if she had room to
keep one.
She wouldn’t want a dog whether she had room for
one or not.
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