The Second Conditional
The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive:
The past simple is used, in the affirmative form, to confirm situations that
occurred in the past and have now concluded.
The structure of regular verbs is: Subject + [past form of the verb]
For example:
— Regular verbs: “You need.” ⇒ “You needed.” = We just add -ed.
The past simple tense of regular verbs is formed differently depending on the base form of the verb used.
For example:
— Suffix -y: “I try.” ⇒ “I tried.” = We change –y to i and add -ed.
— Suffix -e: “I live.” ⇒ “I lived.” = We just add -d.
— Suffix with stressed vowel + consonant (except -w and -y): “I plan.” ⇒ “I planned.” = We double the consonant and add -ed.
Negative
The past simple, in its negative form, is used to deny situations that occurred in the past and have now concluded.
The structure is: Subject + did + not + verb + …
For example:
— “You didn’t need.” = We use the past simple to express a past event that didn’t occur.
- if + past simple, ...would + infinitive
It has two uses:
1. First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example.
- She would pass the exam if she ever studied. (She never studies, so this won't happen)
2. Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible, because it's not true. Is that clear? Have a look at the examples:
- If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him)
The structure of a second conditional sentence
If you went to bed earlier you wouldn't be so tired
|
“If” clause |
Main clause |
|
If you went to bed earlier, |
you wouldn't be so tired. |
If the “if” clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the “if” clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:
|
Main clause |
“If” clause |
|
I would buy a big house |
if I had a million dollars. |
We use different verb forms in each part of a second conditional:
|
“If” clause |
if + subject + simple past verb |
|
Main clause |
subject + would + verb |
