Conditionals are statements that describe both hypothetical and real scenarios. They
are often referred to as “if clauses” because they often begin the same way.
Here are a few examples:
General truth –
If
I eat breakfast, I feel good all day.
Future event –
If
I have a test tomorrow, I will study tonight.
Hypothetical situation –
If
I had a million dollars, I would buy a boat!
Hypothetical outcome –
If
I had prepared for the interview, I would have
gotten the job.
The Second Conditional
The second conditional can either refer to future hypotheticals that are unlikely to be
true or present situations that are untrue or impossible.
if + past subjunctive | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)
*if + simple past | would/might/could + infinitive (simple or continuous)
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
If she were to try harder, she might get better grades.
They might be able to see it if they were more observant.
If I met the President, I would be too nervous to speak.
If he played sports, he might be in better shape.
He could get the promotion if he knew the right people.
Though the second resembles the first conditional in meaning, their structures are
distinct. Moreover, the first conditional usually refers to future events that are likely
to happen, while the second refers to events that are unlikely to happen (or current
impossibilities).
