Conditional Sentences and Wishes

5

Second Conditional: Present Unreal Possibilities

To the teacher:
On this page, we’ll delve into the Second Conditional. Students will learn to discuss hypothetical or unlikely scenarios in the present or future. We’ll guide them through the structure of the Second Conditional and provide ample opportunities for practice to solidify their understanding.

Second Conditional: Present Unreal Possibilities

Welcome to the exploration of the Second Conditional! This is where we delve into discussing hypothetical or unlikely scenarios in the present or future. The Second Conditional helps us imagine situations that are not true in reality but could happen under different circumstances. Let’s dive in!

Structure of the Second Conditional:

In the Second Conditional, we use two clauses: the “if” clause and the main clause. The “if” clause talks about the unreal situation, while the main clause presents the result or outcome of that situation. The structure is as follows:

If + past simple (were for all subjects) [if I were, if you were, if he/she/it were] + would + base verb

Examples:

1. If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky.
   • (Hypothetical: I’m not actually a bird, but I’m imagining being one.)
2. If she had more time, she would travel the world.
   • (Hypothetical: She doesn’t have more time, but we’re discussing what she would do if she did.)
3. If they studied harder, they would pass the exam.
   • (Hypothetical: They’re not studying harder, but we’re imagining the outcome if they did.)

Practice Time:

Let’s practice crafting Second Conditional sentences. Complete the following sentences by using the correct form of the verbs provided:

1. If I (have) more money, I (buy) a new car.
2. If she (see) a shooting star, she (make) a wish.
3. If he (be) a chef, he (cook) delicious meals.
4. If we (not have) plans, we (go) to the movies.

Explanation:

1. If I had more money, I would buy a new car.
   • We’re imagining having more money and what we would do in that situation.
2. If she sees a shooting star, she will make a wish.
   • This mixes First and Second Conditional. If a real situation (seeing a shooting star) occurs, there will be a real outcome (making a wish).
3. If he were a chef, he would cook delicious meals.
   • We’re talking about a hypothetical scenario where he’s a chef and what he would do in that role.
4. If we didn’t have plans, we would go to the movies.
   • We’re discussing a hypothetical situation (not having plans) and its possible outcome (going to the movies).

Incorporating the Second Conditional:

The Second Conditional allows us to explore our imagination and discuss scenarios that might not happen in reality but are interesting to think about. Use it to share your dreams, wishes, and playful thoughts with others!

Practice using the Second Conditional to construct sentences that venture into the realm of unreal possibilities. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with this structure.

Keep up the great work, and let’s move forward with confidence in mastering the Second Conditional!