A clear definition of Second Conditionals!
Rachel is still happy about her level of understanding of Zero and First Conditionals. Takondwa, her best friend, is still surprised by Rachel’s new interest in grammar.
Takondwa: Hi Rachel! How are you feeling today?
Rachel: I’m all right. I’m just tired. I slept late last night.
Takondwa: Oh, did you? I’m sorry. What happened?
Rachel: Nothing bad. I did my homework and then I just wanted to see what Second Conditionals were. I checked online and in my textbook. The lessons were engaging.
Takondwa: You did extra homework!
Rachel: Ha, ha, ha. Yes, I did a few exercises.
Takondwa: So you know more about Second Conditionals even before the teacher has taught them to us. Rachel, I’m impressed!
Rachel: I want to understand and enjoy grammar classes more and more.
Takondwa: What did you learn then?
Rachel: I found out that situations in the Second Conditional are more in the realm of imagination.
Takondwa: Ha, ha, ha Rachel! The realm of imagination? What do you mean?
Rachel: Ha, ha, I mean that when we use the Second Conditional, we imagine situations that are impossible or unlikely to happen in the present or the future.
Takondwa: Well, give me some examples then.
Rachel: Here is an example: “If I won the lottery, I would buy a house for my mother.”
Takondwa: Yes…So…
Rachel: Have I already won the lottery?
Takondwa: No.
Rachel: Am I likely to win the lottery?
Takondwa: Mmmh, your chances are very slim.
Rachel: Do I want to win the lottery then?
Takondwa: I think you do. You are actually dreaming about winning the lottery.
Rachel: Yes! So winning the lottery is ‘hypothetical’. It’s just a wild dream! It’s unreal and, therefore, we use the unreal past.
Takondwa: Okay, I think I understand. You might be right. Let me try to make some sentences then to see if I understood your explanation very well. I’ll try to make five sentences and I’ll justify my choices. This will be my definition of Second Conditionals. Here we go:
- If I could fly, I would never be late at work. (I don’t fly and I never will!)
- If I were rich, I would buy you a lot of jewelry. (I’m not rich and it’s unlikely that I’ll become rich in the future.)
- If animals could talk, we would know what they really thought about us. (Animals don’t talk and I think they never will!)
- If you managed to come, I would be very happy. (You can’t come now.)
- If he were a movie star, he would act in interesting films. (Currently, he’s not a movie star.)
Well, what do you think Rachel? I’ve even used ‘WOULD’, the unreal past of the Modal Verb WILL.
Rachel: That’s very good Takondwa! I’m impressed! You have understood how to use Second Conditionals in such a short period of time. I didn’t even use a blackboard!
Takondwa: Thank you! Another question for you Rachel: “What’s the difference between First and Second Conditionals?”
Rachel: Let me see…Okay, with First Conditionals, you are dealing with possible or likely situations. Look at this example: “If I meet the President in person, I will tell him what this country needs.” This is a specific situation. Perhaps you have been invited to a function where he is going to be present. You are likely to meet him. “If I met the President in person, I would tell him what this country needed.” This is a hypothetical situation. I’m imagining what I would say but it’s unlikely that I’ll have that opportunity to actually meet the President in person. You see?
Takondwa: Yes, I get you. Rachel, this was a clear definition of Second Conditionals. I enjoyed your lesson and I’m looking forward to more.
Rachel: Thank you Takondwa! You are a gem! Oops, the real English teacher is coming! Let’s go before we’re late for class!
Takondwa: Let’s go dear.
Further Exploration: (Definition of Second Conditionals)
Download PDF File:
Read:
- English Grammar: Lesson 2-A Description of First Conditionals by Rachel, Learn English With Africa, September 2019
- English Grammar: Lesson 1-A Not So Boring Dialogue About Zero Conditionals, Learn English With Africa, September 2019
- Intense Dialogue about Wishes and Wants, Learn English With Africa, September 2019
Shop:
