Form of type 2 conditional sentence
In a Type 2 conditional sentence, the “if” clause employs the simple past tense, while the main clause utilizes either the present conditional or the present continuous conditional tense.
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If + simple past | present conditional or present continuous conditional |
| If this thing happened | that thing would happen. |
As in all conditional sentences, the order of the clauses is not fixed. You may have to rearrange the pronouns and adjust punctuation when you change the order of the clauses, but the meaning is identical.
Examples
- If it rained, you would get wet.
- You would get wet if it rained.
- If you went to bed earlier you wouldn’t be so tired.
- You wouldn’t be so tired if you went to bed earlier.
- If she fell, she would hurt herself.
- She would hurt herself if she fell.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
Function of the type 2 conditional
The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result. These sentences are not based on the actual situation. In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.
Examples
- If the weather wasn’t so bad, we would go to the park. (But the weather is bad so we can’t go.)
- If I was the Queen of England, I would give everyone a chicken. (But I am not the Queen.)
- If you really loved me, you would buy me a diamond ring.
- If I knew where she lived, I would go and see her.
It is correct, and very common, to say “if I were” instead of “if I was” (subjunctive mood).
Examples
- If I were taller, I would buy this dress.
- If I were 20, I would travel the world.
- If I were you, I would give up smoking.
- If I were a plant, I would love the rain.
In type 2 conditional sentences, you can also use modals in the main clause instead of “would” to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.
Examples
- We might buy a larger house if we had more money
- He could go to the concert if you gave him your ticket.
- If he called me, I couldn’t hear.
Are you C1 Advanced English?
Get your C1 Advanced English certificate now!
✓ Add your certificate to your resume
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The present conditional tense
The present conditional of any verb is composed of two elements:
would + the infinitive of the main verb, without “to”
| Subject | + would | + infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| He | would | go |
| They | would | stay |
To Go: present conditional
| Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative | Interrogative negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| I would go | I wouldn’t go | Would I go? | Wouldn’t I go? |
| You would go | You wouldn’t go | Would you go? | Wouldn’t you go? |
| He would go | He wouldn’t go | Would he go? | Wouldn’t he go? |
| She would go | She wouldn’t go | Would she go? | Wouldn’t she go? |
| We would go | We wouldn’t go | Would we go? | Wouldn’t we go? |
| They would go | They wouldn’t go | Would they go? | Wouldn’t they go? |
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
Jennifer is an experienced English Language Consultant at International English Test, where she has been working full-time since February 2020. Based in London, England.
Before joining us, Jennifer was a self-employed English Language Teacher from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, she taught English Language and Literature remotely from Cambridge, England, helping numerous students improve their language skills.
Jennifer holds a degree in English Language and Literature in Cambridge. Her extensive experience and educational background make her a valuable asset in the field of English language education. She continues to contribute to us with her valuable articles about English teaching and assessment.
