Understanding the Second Conditional (Definition, Sentences, Examples)

What is the second conditional? How does it work? Conditionals are an important part of the English language. They are an integral part of sentence formation and are of various kinds. Conditionals are of four main kinds, namely – Zero Conditional, First Conditional, Second Conditional, and Third Conditional. In this piece, we will discuss the Second Conditional. Conditional sentences talk about an event and the result of that event. 

What is a second conditional?

To understand what a second conditional is, we must start with its definition. In the simplest terms, a second conditional refers to a sentence that is impossible or unlikely to happen. As such, a second conditional is also known as a Present Hypothetical Conditional. 

A second conditional is used to refer to a hypothetical present that does not actually exist. An imaginary event or state of affairs is expressed through a second conditional. Let’s look at some examples of a second conditional to understand this better. 

Examples of second conditional

Here are some examples of second conditional which will help clarify and cement the concept.

• If I were rich, I would donate all my money to a shelter home. 
• If I had super powers, I would make the world a safer place. 
• If I was the CEO, I would make better company policies for women.
• If I was the president of the country, I would work for equal pay for equal work. 
• If I had a dog, I would spoil them silly. 
• If I was not afraid of heights, I would try out rock climbing. 
• If I were a chef, I would cook food from around the world.

Parts of a conditional 

When it comes to conditionals, it can be clearly understood that conditionals have more than one part. Ordinarily, a conditional has two parts: A “clause” which states or mentions a condition, which forms the first part. The second part is the “result” that would have existed had the condition been met. Thus, the Condition or clause is the “if” part of the sentence, and the result is the “would” part of the sentence.

Let’s understand this through some examples: 

• “If” I had more time, I “would” include exercise in my routine. 

In this sentence, the “if” portion is stating a condition, and the “would” portion is stating the result. Had the condition been met, the result would have taken place. 

Let’s look at some more examples: 

• If I was the boss, I would not yell at my employees. 
• If I had the weekend off, I would take my kid to the zoo. 
• If I was younger, I would be going clubbing right now. 

In all of the above sentences, you can see a hypothetical condition or state of affairs which does not currently exist. At the same time, you see a hypothetical result that may have taken place upon the completion of the condition. Thus, you can see the two parts of a second conditional in the above examples.

Sources

• Conditionals 1: British Council
• The Second Conditional: Wall Street English
• Second Conditional: English Club
• English Grammar: Second Conditional- ESLBase