Post #218

🔰 Second Conditional 🔻The Second Conditional is used to talk about‘impossible’situations. 🔹If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park. 🔹If I had millions dollars, I’d give a lot to charity. 🔹If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place. 🔹If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease. 🔻Note that afterI / he/ she /itwe often use the subjunctive form__ ‘were’and not‘was’.(Some people think that‘were’is the only ‘correct’ form but other people think‘was’is equally ‘correct’.) 🔹If she were happy in her job, she wouldn’t be looking for another one. 🔹If I lived in Japan, I’d have sushi every day. 🔹If they were to enter our market, we’d have big problems. 🔻Note the form‘If I were you’which is often used to give advice. 🔹If I were you, I’d look for a new place to live. 🔹If I were you, I’d go back to school and get more qualifications. 🔻The Second Conditional is also used to talk about‘unlikely’situations. 🔹If I went to China, I’d visit the Great Wall. 🔹If I was the President, I’d reduce taxes. 🔹If you were in my position, you’d understand. 🔻Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker’s attitude rather than of facts. 🤔 Compare these examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn’t. ✨Otto – If I win the lottery, I’ll buy a big house. 🔹Peter – If I won the lottery, I’d buy a big house. ✨Otto – If I get promoted, I’ll throw a big party. 🔹Peter – If I got promoted, I’d throw a big party. ✨Otto – If my team win the Cup, I’ll buy presents for everybody. 🔹Peter – If my team won the Cup, I’d buy presents for everybody. 🔻Note that the‘If clause’can contain the past simple or the past continuous. 🔹If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train. 🔹If she were coming, she would be here by now. 🔹If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy. 🔻Note that the main clause can contain‘would’, ‘could’or‘might. 🔹If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently. 🔹If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant. 🔹If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him. 🔻Also note that sometimes the‘if clause’is implied rather than spoken. 🔹What would I do without you? (“if you weren’t here”) 🔹Where would I get one at this time of night? (“if I wanted one”) 🔹He wouldn’t agree. (“if I asked him”) @EnglishGrammarSecrets