In the lessons on conditional sentences, conditional sentence type 2 is a crucial structure widely used in English, including in grammar assessments. This article will delve into its definition, structure, and contextual application, enabling you to grasp all aspects of if-clause type 2.
1. Definition of conditional sentence type 2
Conditional sentences type 2 describe situations and actions that are not real and cannot happen in the present and the future.
Conditional sentence type 2 example:
If I were Janet, I would never forgive John for what he has done. (Nếu tôi là Janet thì tôi sẽ không bao giờ tha thứ John cho những gì anh ta đã làm).
I cannot become Janet → this condition will never happen.
2. If-clause conditional type 2 Form
If clause (If) | Main clause (Then) |
|---|---|
If + S + V-ed, | S + would/could/should + V-inf |
Note:
The conditional clause (If) is in the first or second clause of the sentence.
In the If-clause type 2, if the verb in the form is “to be,” we use WERE for all persons.
In the primary clause type 2, in addition to the auxiliary verb “would,” we can use could, might, ...
Examples:
If I won a lot of money, I'd buy a big house in the country.
If I were you, I would look for another job.
He would travel all over the world if he were rich.
3. Inversion form of conditional type 2
In addition to the standard structures of the second conditional sentences, you should grasp the structure of inversion sentences to use.
Were + S1 + (not) + O, S2 + would/might/could + V-inf
Note:
If the sentence contains the verb “were,” you put “were” at the beginning.
If the sentence does not contain the verb “were,” you borrow “were” and use “to V.”
Examples:
Should you need more information, contact me.
Were the Sun to disappear, Earth would no longer be able to support life.
Had it not rained yesterday, we would have finished painting the walls.
4. Use of the second conditional sentence
Describes an action that does not happen in the future or unreality in your or the others’ life | If I were a police, I would arrest all criminals.
|
Give advice or ask others for advice | What would you do if you had to do this exam?
|
Make a polite request or suggestion | It would be great if Jenny could do all the tasks tonight. |
Refuse someone's request | If I had enough time, I would help you do housework. |
5. Variations of conditional sentence type 2
Variation of main clause
Variation of main clause | Examples |
|---|---|
If + Simple past tense, S + would/could/might/had to… + be + V-ing | If it were Tuesday, Jenny would be working at her company. |
If + Simple Past Tense, Simple Past Tense | If Peter finished his work, he was free tonight. |
Variation of if-clause type 2
Variation of if clause | Examples |
|---|---|
If + Past continuous, S + would/could + V-inf | If I knew you were working hard then I wouldn't disturb you. If I knew you were having a meeting at 8 A.M, I would not phone you at that time. |
If + Past perfect, S + would/could + V-infinity | If I hadn’t studied last night, I couldn’t do the test well. |
Read more:
6. Conditional sentence type 2 exercise (with answers)
Exercise 1: select the right answers
1. If I (were/was/would be) ....................... rich, I (will try/would try/tried) ....................... to help the poor.
2. What (would you do/will you do/did you do) ....................... if you (see/would see/saw) ....................... a huge spider in your shoe?
3. If I (was/would be/were) ....................... you, I (asked/would ask/will ask) ....................... for their help.
4. If he (finded/would find/found) ....................... a wallet in the street, he (would take/took/taken) ....................... it to the police.
5. If she (were/was/would be) ....................... a colour, she (is/would be/were) ....................... red.
6. They (were/would be/will be) ....................... terrified if they (saw/see/would see) ....................... aliens in their garden.
Exercise 2: Give the correct form of the verb in brackets, using conditional sentence type 2
1. If I (have) ....................... a lot of money, I (buy) ....................... a yacht.
2. If I (be) ....................... a baby, I (cry) ....................... all of the time.
3. If she (eat) ....................... lots of chocolate, she (have) ....................... bad teeth.
4. If I (not have) ....................... a pencil, I (borrow) ....................... one.
5. If he (not have to) ....................... go to school, he (watch) ....................... television all day.
6. If she (have) ....................... good grades, she (be) ....................... happy.
7. My boss (be) ....................... very pleased if I (finish) ....................... the job.
8. I (not go) ....................... to school if I (have) ....................... a bad cold.
9. If she (earn) ....................... some money, she (buy) ....................... a new dress.
10. If I (invite) ....................... fifty friends to my birthday party, my parents (be) ....................... mad.
Exercise 3: Put the correct verb form in brackets, using conditional sentences type 2
1. If we (have) ....................... a yacht, we (sail) ....................... the seven seas.
2. If he (have) ....................... more time, he (learn) ....................... karate.
3. If they (tell) ....................... their father, he (be) ....................... very angry.
4. She (spend) ....................... a year in the USA if it (be) ....................... easier to get a green card.
5. If their son (be) ....................... taller, he (be) ....................... a model.
6. We (help) ....................... you if we (know) ....................... how.
7. My brother (buy) ....................... a sport car if he (have) ....................... enough money.
8. If I (feel) ....................... better, I (go) ....................... to the cinema with you.
9. If you (go) ....................... by bike more often, you (not be) ....................... so flabby.
10. She (not talk) ....................... to you if she (be) ....................... mad at you.
Answers
Exercise 1: select the right answers
1. were; would try
2. would you do; saw
3. were; would ask
4. found; would take
5. were; would be
6. would be; saw
Exercise 2: Give the correct form of the verb in brackets, using conditional sentence type 2
1. had; would buy
| 6. had; would be
|
Exercise 3: Put the correct verb form in brackets, using conditional sentences type 2
1. had; would sail
| 6. would help; knew
|
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