If Type 2
Type 2 conditionals are used to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations in the present or future. They express unlikely or impossible conditions and their probable results.
1. Form
Type 2 conditionals have this structure:
If + Past Simple, would + base verb
Examples:
- If I had money, I would buy a car.
- If she studied harder, she would pass the exam.
- If they were here, they would help us.
2. When Do We Use Type 2 Conditionals?
a) Hypothetical situations in the present
We use Type 2 to talk about situations that are not real in the present:
- If I were rich, I would travel around the world.
- If he had time, he would visit us.
- If she knew the answer, she would tell us.
b) Unlikely future situations
We use Type 2 to talk about future situations that are unlikely to happen:
- If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.
- If aliens landed on Earth, people would be shocked.
- If it snowed in summer, everyone would be surprised.
c) Giving advice
We use Type 2 to give advice about what someone should do:
- If I were you, I would study more.
- If she were here, she would tell you the same thing.
- If I had that problem, I would ask for help.
3. Structure Details
a) If clause (condition)
- If + Past Simple
- If I had more time...
- If she was/were here...
- If they knew the truth...
b) Main clause (result)
- would + base verb
- ...I would help you.
- ...she would be happy.
- ...they would understand.
4. Important Notes
a) "Was" vs "Were"
In formal English, we use "were" for all persons in the if clause:
- If I were you... (formal)
- If she were here... (formal)
- If he were taller... (formal)
In informal English, we can use "was" for he/she/it:
- If I was you... (informal)
- If she was here... (informal)
b) Modal verbs in the main clause
We can use other modal verbs instead of "would":
- If I had time, I could help you.
- If she studied, she might pass the exam.
- If they were here, they should help us.
5. Common Mistakes
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| If I would have money, I buy car. | If I had money, I would buy a car. |
| If I am you, I would study. | If I were you, I would study. |
| If she would be here, she help. | If she were here, she would help. |
| If I had time, I will help. | If I had time, I would help. |
Remember
In Type 2 conditionals, we use Past Simple in the if clause and "would + base verb" in the main clause. Never use "will" in the main clause of Type 2 conditionals.
6. Comparison with Type 1 Conditionals
| Type | Condition | Result | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Present Simple | will + base verb | Real, possible situations |
| Type 2 | Past Simple | would + base verb | Hypothetical, unlikely situations |
Examples:
- Type 1: If it rains, I will stay home. (It might rain.)
- Type 2: If it rained, I would stay home. (It's not raining, but if it did...)
7. Alternative Structures
a) Inverted structure (formal)
- Were I you, I would study harder.
- Had I time, I would help you.
b) Without "if"
- I would travel the world if I had money.
- She would be happy if she knew the truth.
Quick Review
- Form: If + Past Simple, would + base verb.
- Use: Hypothetical situations in present/future, unlikely events, giving advice.
- Formal: Use "were" for all persons in if clause.
- Informal: Can use "was" for he/she/it.
- Modal alternatives: could, might, should instead of would.
- Don't use: "will" in the main clause of Type 2.
- Compare: Type 1 for real situations, Type 2 for hypothetical ones.
If Type 1
The First Conditional (Type 1) is used to talk about the future, when something is possible or likely to happen. It describes real situations with real consequences.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are essential for describing routines, habits, and regular activities. Understanding their position in sentences is crucial for correct English grammar.