Conditional Type 2

Type 2 Conditional

​In a type 2 conditional sentence, the tense in the "if" clause is the simple past, and the tense in the main clause is the present conditional or the present continuous conditional.

​Form

​

If clause (condition)	Main clause (result)
If + simple past	present conditional or present continuous conditional
If this thing happened	that thing would happen.

​Function

​The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result. These sentences are not based on the actual situation. In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.

​EX: If the weather wasn't so bad, we would go to the park. (But the weather is bad so we can't go.)

​It is correct, and very common, to say "if I were" instead of "if I was" (subjunctive mood).

​EX: If I were a plant, I would love the rain.

​In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

​EX: We might buy a larger house if we had more money.

​Match the elements

​

What would you do	if I saved up enough money.
If she left the party earlier,	if I had a driving licence.
I would buy a beautiful red sporty car	I wouldn't watch TV!
If I saw a snake,	I wouldn't eat that much fatty food.
If I were you,	she wouldn't be late for the train!
If I were you and I were tired,	if she studied harder.
She would have better marks	if you were in an extreme situation?
I would go on holiday	I would scream and run away.

​Complete the sentences:

​If I lived near the sea, ...

If I had a million, ...

If I knew English very well, ...