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Grammar: Second Conditional

This document discusses the second conditional, which is used to talk about impossible or unlikely situations. It begins with examples using "if + past simple + would." It notes that after "if" referring to people, "were" is often used instead of "was." More examples are given demonstrating different uses of the second conditional. It also notes that the choice between the first and second conditional depends more on the speaker's attitude than facts. Finally, it provides some additional notes on variations that can be used with the second conditional.

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802 views2 pages

Grammar: Second Conditional

This document discusses the second conditional, which is used to talk about impossible or unlikely situations. It begins with examples using "if + past simple + would." It notes that after "if" referring to people, "were" is often used instead of "was." More examples are given demonstrating different uses of the second conditional. It also notes that the choice between the first and second conditional depends more on the speaker's attitude than facts. Finally, it provides some additional notes on variations that can be used with the second conditional.

Uploaded by

WebEnglish
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Crammar - second conditional

If + past simple + would



The Seconu Conuitional is useu to talk about impossible situations.
-X we weie in Lonuon touay, we woulu be able to go to the conceit
in Byue Paik.
-X hau millions uollais, u give a lot to chaiity.
-X theie weie no hungiy people in this woilu, it woulu be a much
bettei place.
-X eveiyone hau clean watei to uiink, theie woulu be a lot less
uisease.

Note that aXtei he she it we oXten use the subjunctive Xoim
weie anu not was. (Some people think that weie is the only
coiiect Xoim but othei people think was is equally coiiect .)
-X she weie happy in hei job, she woulunt be looking Xoi anothei
one. H
-X liveu in }apan, u have sushi eveiy uay.
-X they weie to entei oui maiket, weu have big pioblems.

Note the Xoim X weie you which is oXten useu to give auvice.
-X weie you, u look Xoi a new place to live.
-X weie you, u go back to school anu get moie qualiXications.

The Seconu Conuitional is also useu to talk about unlikely situations.
-X went to China, u visit the uieat Wall.
-X was the Piesiuent, u ieuuce taxes.
-X you weie in my position, youu unueistanu.

Note that the choice between the Xiist anu the seconu conuitional is
oXten a question oX the speakeis attituue iathei than oX Xacts.
Compaie these examples. 0tto thinks these things aie possible, Petei
uoesnt.
-0tto - X win the lotteiy, ll buy a big house.
-Petei - X won the lotteiy, u buy a big house.
-0tto - X get piomoteu, ll thiow a big paity.
-Petei - X got piomoteu, u thiow a big paity.
-0tto - X my team win the Cup, ll buy champagne Xoi eveiybouy.
-Petei - X my team won the Cup, u buy champagne Xoi eveiybouy.

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WIB INGLISH
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Note that the X clause can contain the past simple oi the past
continuous.
-X was still woiking in Biighton, woulu commute by tiain.
-X she weie coming, she woulu be heie by now.H
-X they weie thinking oX selling, woulu want to buy.

Note that the main clause can contain woulu coulu oi might.
-X hau the chance to uo it again, woulu uo it uiXXeiently.
-X we met up Xoi lunch, we coulu go to that new iestauiant.
-X spoke to him uiiectly, might be able to peisuaue him.

Also note that sometimes the iX clause is implieu iathei than spoken.
-What woulu uo without you. (iX you weient heie)
-Wheie woulu get one at this time oX night. (iX wanteu one)
Be woulunt agiee. (iX askeu him)


Exercises



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