The second conditional
The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive, or ‘would’ and the present continuous.2nd Conditional: time = now or future, situation = unreal
If + past simple, ...would + infinitive OR present continuous
If this thing happened, that thing would happen.
If this thing happened, that thing would be happening.
We can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. We often use it to talk about fantasies.
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house in Barbados.
If he had more money, he would buy a boat.
We can also use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible.
It is very common to say ‘If I were’ instead of ‘if I was’.
If he were younger, I would ask him out.
If I were you, I would stop poking the cat.
If I was taller, I wouldn't wear high heels.
In type 2 conditional sentences, the continuous form of the present conditional may be used to talk about something that is impossible.
If I spoke French, I would be living in Paris.
If I had an exam tomorrow, I'd be revising now.
The third conditional
Jun 20, 2023
The first conditional
Jun 18, 2023
The zero conditional
Jun 17, 2023
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