This document discusses the structure and use of the second conditional to describe hypothetical or unlikely situations. It begins by explaining that the second conditional uses past tense verbs to talk about possible present or future situations that are not real. It then provides examples of the typical "if-clause + would-clause" structure. The document outlines the specific verb tenses and forms used in the if-clause and would-clause of the second conditional construction. It also compares the second conditional to the first conditional and discusses how certain modal verbs like "might" and "could" can be used instead of "would" to express uncertainty.

1. THE SECOND CONDITIONAL

2. OBJECTIVES:
 To use second conditional to describe
hypothetical (unreal) situations.
 To identify the structure of the second
conditional.

3. INTRODUCTION
The second conditional describes an imaginary, imposible or unlikely situation in the
present or future.
If I had a lot of money, I would buy an expensive car.
condition result
In reality. I do not have a lot money.
But I use the second conditional to imagine having a lot of money.
The situation is hypothetical. It is not real.

4. STRUCTURE
If + condition + result
If he knew her telephone number, he would call her.
There is a comma after the condition
result + if + condition
He would call her if he knew her telephone number.
(We do NOT use a comma)
In the present, he does not know her telephone number.
It is impossible for him to call her.
By using the second conditional, we are describing a hypothetical situation.

5. Verb tense of the condition
Question: What tense are these verbs in these conditions?
If I had a lot of money, I would buy an expensive car.
If he knew her telephone number, he would call her.
Answer: The past simple
The past tense is indicating a distance from reality.
It is not indicating past time.

6. The verb “to be” a special case
The verb “to be as a main verb in the condition:
The tense is the past simple, subjunctive mood:
Past simple, indicative mood Past simple, subjunctive mood
I was I were
You were you were
He was / she was / it was he were / she were / it were
We were we were
You were you were
They were they were
If I were you, I would go to London. √ If he were rich, he would buy a mansion. √
If I was you, I would go to London. X If he was rich, he would buy a mansion. X

7. STRUCTURE OF THE RESULT
Subject + “would” + base form of verb
If I got the scholarship, I would go to London.
Full form Contracted form
I would go to London I’d go
You would go to London you’d go
He would go / she would go / it would go he’d go / she’d go / it’d go
We would go we’d go
You would go you’d go
They would go they’d go

8. Second Conditional vs First Conditional
If I became a president, I would reduce taxes.
(Second conditional)
This situation is imaginary, unlikely or imposible.
It is hypothetical.
The speaker is perhaps a young student, dreaming about the future.
If I become a president, I will reduce taxes.
(First Conditional)
This situation is more real. It is a realistic promise.
The speaker is perhaps a real candidate for the election.
The difference in meaning is not the time.
“If I become” and “If I became” both refer to the present and the future.

9. Modals in the Second conditional
For the result, We can also use ceratin modals
If you played tennis together, he would win.
(It is unlikely you will play tennis together)
(But I am certain that he would win)
If you played tennis together, he might win
(It is unlikely you will play tennis together)
(I am not certain that he would win. Maybe, he would win)
If you played tennis together, he could win
(It is unlikely you will paly tennis)
(he would be able to win. He would have the ability to win)