2. The Second Conditional

The simple past tense is used in the if clause, and the tense in the main clause is the present conditional. EXAMPLE: If he asked, we would explain everything. 'If' Clause   Main Clause If + simple past tense   would/could/might + infinitive (to have) If he asked,   we would explain everything We can also let the main clause precede the if-clause, as follow: Would/could/might + infinitive (to have)   if + simple past tense We would explain everything if he asked. The second conditional refers to the present or future. We use Type 2 conditionals to describe: what is absolutely impossible. EXAMPLE: If your father were alive, he would be very proud of you. EXAMPLE: If I were younger, I would do things differently. Although the above two examples can use was instead of were as follow, the use of were is more formal. EXAMPLE: If your father was alive, he would be very proud of you. EXAMPLE: If I was younger, I would do things differently. a purely hypothetical situation. EXAMPLE: If I cooked like her, I would open a restaurant. (I can't cook like her.) EXAMPLE: If we earned more money, we would buy a bigger house. (We don't earn more money) unlikely events or not probable now. EXAMPLE: If she loved me, I would propose to her. (I don't think she loves me) EXAMPLE: If my parents restored their broken relationship, I'd* be very happy. (It's unlikely they will do that) imaginary situations that are unlikely to happen now or in the future. EXAMPLE: If I won the lottery, I would buy a luxury yacht EXAMPLE: If I married her, I would be the happiest man alive. (* 'would' is often shortened to 'd)