2nd Conditional

The Grammar HELP!  Student Handbook - Online!

In today's Grammar  - Online! lesson we continue our unit on Conditional Sentences

All the examples you see below were contributed by ESL students in their writing and reading classes. We bring you only authentic writing.

What's wrong with this sentence?

Problem:   I guess I haven't been in love yet because if I have, I will know it.

When Do We Use the 2nd Conditional?

Use the 2nd conditional when the if Clause is not true in the present or the future.

Even when both parts refer to the future, the 'if' clause uses the present tense and the 'result' clause uses the future tense.

Problem:    I guess I haven't been in love yet because if I have, I will know it.
Solution:    I guess I haven't been in love yet because if I had (been in love), I would know it.

How Do We Form the 2nd Conditional?

2nd Conditional
"if" clause -

action verbs: Simple Present Tense

'be' verb:       were		 "result" clause:

would + base form of the verb

Problem:    If you would correct my mistakes, I will be so happy.
Solution:    If you would correct my mistakes, I would be so happy.

Mixed: "then' Clause True, 'if' Clause Untrue

  • I was trying to act as if it were a normal day.  (It was not a normal day.)

  • I was trying to act as if I were having a normal pregnancy. (She was not having a normal pregnancy.)

Next...   3rd Conditional

Please continue with our next lesson, "3rd Conditional."

All material is copyrighted, Software for Students.  Copying for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.