Second Conditional: Unreal Possibility Or Dream

Second Conditional: unreal possibility or dream

Conditionals: Summary Here is a chart to help you to visualise the basic English conditionals. Do not take the 50% and 10% figures too literally. They are just to help you.

probability conditional example time any 100% zero conditional If you heat ice, it melts. time 50% first conditional If it rains, I will stay at home. future second 10% If I won the lottery, I would buy a car. future conditional 0% third conditional If I had won the lottery, I would have bought a car. past

We use the second conditional when we are thinking about a particular condition in the future, and the result of this condition. But there is no real possibility that this condition will happen.

IF condition result past simple / continuous WOULD / COULD / MIGHT + base verb If I won the lottery I would buy a car.

result IF condition WOULD / COULD / MIGHT + base verb past simple / continuous What would you do if it snowed next July?

We use the past simple or continuous tense to talk about the future condition. We use WOULD, COULD OR MIGHT + base verb to talk about the future result.

We can use the Second Conditional to talk about 'impossible' situations.  If I had one million dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.  If there were no more hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.

Notice that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'  If I were in Tokyo, I'd have sushi every day.  If she were really happy in her job, she'd be working much harder.

Notice the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.  If I were you, I'd change my job.  If I were you, I'd sign up for Pearson's fantastic English lessons.

We can also use the Second Conditional to talk about 'unlikely' situations.  If I won the lottery, I'd buy my parents a big house.  If you met him, you'd really like him.

The choice of first or second conditional often depends on attitude rather than facts.  If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party. OR If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party.

Notice that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.  If I was still living in Brighton, I would commute by train.

Notice that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.  If we met up for lunch one day, I could take you to that new restaurant.  If I spoke to him directly, we might be able to reach an agreement.