Presentation of the Grammar Point: The Second Conditional
Function: The second conditional is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations and their possible outcomes. It often expresses dreams, wishes, or hypothetical scenarios that are unlikely to happen.
Formulas: The second conditional is formed using
“if” + past simple, followed by “would” + base verb.
Examples from the Story:
1.“If she opened the book, she would discover a hidden compartment containing a glowing artifact.”
Explanation: This sentence shows a hypothetical situation (opening the book) and its possible outcome (discovering the compartment).
2.“What would happen if I touched this glowing object?”
Explanation: This question explores a hypothetical action (touching the object) and its potential consequences.
3.“If she held the artifact for too long, she would be transported to another time period.”
Explanation: This sentence describes an unreal scenario (holding the artifact too long) and its likely result (being transported).
4.“If I didn’t have this artifact, I wouldn’t be able to return home.”
Explanation: This sentence considers a hypothetical situation (not having the artifact) and its possible impact (not being able to return home).
5.“If you need help, I would advise you to visit the wise old sage at the end of the street.”
Explanation: This sentence offers a hypothetical condition (needing help) and the resulting advice (visiting the sage).
6.“If I could understand the language, I would ask for directions.”
Explanation: This sentence imagines a hypothetical ability (understanding the language) and the action that would follow (asking for directions).
7.“If you seek answers, I will help you.”
Explanation: This sentence shows a hypothetical condition (seeking answers) and the sage’s promise (helping).
8.“If you hadn’t touched the artifact, you wouldn’t be here now.”
Explanation: This sentence explains a past hypothetical situation (not touching the artifact) and its outcome (not being in the current time period).
9.“If you want to return to your time, you must understand the artifact’s power.”
Explanation: This sentence presents a hypothetical desire (wanting to return to her time) and the necessary condition (understanding the artifact’s power).
