LESSON 3 - CONDITIONAL 2

We use conditional 2 to talk about unreal hypothesis, that is to say, about possibilities that are not real.

-If I had money, I would invite you an ice cream. -I would ask her out, if I were her age.

The construction of the CONDITIONAL 2 is:

IF + PAST SIMPLE VERB -> WOULD + VERB

-If we went to Rome, we would visit the Colosseum. -They would come to the party if we invited them. -If you were taller, you could enlist to the Navy. -Emily would help you, if you told her what happened.

With the verb TO BE, the IF clause is always WERE.

-If I were you, I would finish the project today. -Rob would know what to do if he were here. -If you were older, I would ask you to come with us. -They would laugh at you if they were here.

Here is a funny scene from Friends, in which they use the conditional 2:

EXERCISE

Complete the sentences with the right form of the verb in parenthesis. Choose between the PAST SIMPLE and WOULD form of the verb.

1-If we _____ (go) to Rome, we would visit the Coliseum. 2-They _____ (come) to the party if we invited them. 3-If _____ (not study) physics, she would study medicine. 4-If you _____ (be) taller, you could enlist to the Navy. 5-We _____ (be) lost if you asked where we are. 6-Emily _____ (help) you, if you told her what happened. 7-Damien _____ (sleep) better if he did not have back sore.