Second Conditional.
We use Second Conditional Sentences (Second Conditional) to:
1. Express (an) imaginary thing(s) in (the) future.
2. Express (an) impossible thing(s) in the present.
Syntax: If Clause + Simple Past Tense, + Subject + would + V1 (+ complement).
[Subject + would + V1 (+ complement), + If Clause + Simple Past Tense.]
Important Note 1: Basically, a Verb has the following forms:
1. Infinitive. 2. Present Tense Plural. 3. Present Tense Singular. 4. Present Participle. 5. Past Tense. 6. Past Participle.
1. Infinitive = Full Infinitive / To Infinitive / Base Form / Root - To do.
2. Present Tense Plural = V1 / Zero Infinitive / Bare Infinitive – Do.
3. Present Tense Singular = Third Person Singular – Does.
4. Present Participle = Looks like a Gerund – Doing.
5. Past Tense = V2 / Simple Past – Did.
6. Past Participle = V3 – Done.
Important Note 2: Here in the Second Conditional, we use ‘Were’ instead of ‘Was’ in spite of the Subject, and it is a grammatically correct use too.
A few models – 1.
If I were rich, I would buy a car.
I would buy a car if I were rich.
If we won the first match we would travel abroad.
If they went there they would meet her.
If I got up earlier I would catch the bus.
If she were not treacherous he would love her.
A few models – 2.
If she/he were here, she/he would do it.
She/He would do it if she/he were here.
If I had her email I would email her.
If I were you I would not drink this.
If she/he had money she/he would not cheat you.
If I were her I would forgive him right away.
Homework.
Find/note/figure out the Second Conditional, whenever/wherever it is used.