2 sentences in English. Conditional sentences in English

– You cannot believe in the impossible!

“You just don’t have enough experience,” the Queen remarked. “When I was your age, I devoted half an hour to this every day!” On some days, I managed to believe in a dozen impossibilities before breakfast!

Lewis Carroll "Alice in Wonderland"

Admit that you like to daydream from time to time. How many times have you said the phrase “If only I...” or “I wish I...”. And, for sure, at least several times in your life you have given advice to someone, saying the following words: “If I were you, I would...”

In our native language, we easily fantasize, give out valuable advice, and sometimes even lament, remembering a missed chance or, conversely, regretting what we did. Grammatical structures do not seem complicated to us at all, and we use them without even thinking about the rules. IN English language for these cases there are conditional sentences of the second and third types. Finding out more about them will be both interesting and useful.

Second Conditional - conditional sentences of the second type

This type of English conditional sentence is used to describe an impossible, unreal or imaginary situation. When translating such sentences into Russian, the hypothetical connotation is conveyed using the particle “would”. Similar constructions refer to the present or future tense.

If I had a lot of money, I would travel round the world. – If I have was a lot of money I would travel Worldwide. (this describes an imaginary situation: it is unlikely that this will happen in the near future)

A conditional sentence of the second type is formed according to the following scheme:

Do not forget that it is possible to swap the main and subordinate clause. However, you should be careful with commas. We use it only when the condition is at the beginning of an English sentence.

In conditional sentences of the second type, the past tense form of the verb to be – were– used for all persons in more formal English, was can also be used, although this option is more common in spoken English.

If today were Saturday, we could go to the beach. = If today was Saturday, we could go to the beach. - If only today was Saturday, then we would go to the beach.

Turnover If I were you Usually used with this type of conditional sentence to give advice and project the situation onto oneself. In Russian there is a construction for this: “If I were in your (her, his, yours, theirs) place.”

If I were you, I wouldn't buy that car. – If I were in your place, I wouldn't buy that car.

There are practically no rules in the English language without exceptions. We have collected all the important additions to the rule about conditional sentences of the second type in the following table. Undoubtedly, examples with translation will help you in the future to freely use these constructions in speech and writing.

In order to thoroughly understand conditional sentences of the second type, we recommend watching this video:

No grammar reference book will give you as many pleasant moments when studying this rule as an interesting and colorful cartoon in English. Conditional sentences The second type is so often used in dialogues of cartoon characters that we are ready to prove it to you. Take a fresh look at your favorite animated stories with us.

Kung Fu Panda 3 – “Kung Fu Panda 3”

Many of us remember the cartoon about the good-natured and clumsy fat panda Po. Reunited with his father, who lost little Poe many years ago, they go to a mysterious place. It is there that our lover of martial arts and dumplings will soon meet his relatives and visit his home. This is the phrase we hear in the dialogue during their journey:

– This is the secret panda village. – This is the secret panda village.
– No wonder you keep it a secret. If I lived here, I wouldn’t tell anyone either. - No wonder you keep it a secret. If I lived here, I wouldn't tell anyone either.
(hypothetical assumption related to the future)

Big Hero 6 – City of Heroes

Fans of cartoons about inventors, child prodigies and design geniuses will certainly remember the story of two talented brothers Hiro and Tadashi Hamada. Episodes with experiments in the university laboratory are fascinating and full of humor. For the topic of our article, the moment in which younger brother(Hiro) thanks the elder (Tadashi) for his help and faith in his talent.

I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, so thanks for not giving up on me. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here, so thank you for not losing faith in me.” (the need to show that the completion of one event depends on another)

Wreck-It Ralph - "Wreck-It Ralph"

The Disney cartoon, in which a thug villain named Ralph dreams of becoming a real hero, was watched by many. Let us remind you of the episode when Ralph leaves his computer game and goes in search of adventure. In one of the games, he meets a little girl Vanellope von Cupcake. At the moment they meet, the following phrase is heard on the caramel tree:

I wouldn't grab that branch if I were you. “If I were you, I wouldn’t grab that branch.” (advice to interlocutor)

Zootopia – Zootopia

In our previous article we already discussed this funny cartoon. However, it is impossible not to remember the episode in which the cunning Nick Wilde visits the store and intends to buy the baby fox a hefty portion of ice cream. Not finding any money in his pockets, he says the following:

I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached to my neck. “I would have sown my head if it had not been attached to my neck.” (imaginary situation)

Inside Out – “Puzzle”

We are already familiar with the girl Riley and her emotions. Having carefully reviewed this animated creation, it is easy to see examples related to our topic today. In the episode when Joy tries to find Sadness in the labyrinths of long-term memory, we find a striking example of a conditional sentence of the second type:

Ok. If I were Sadness, where would I be? - OK. In the place of Sadness, where would I be? (description of an unreal situation relating to the present time and an attempt to project the situation onto oneself)

Third Conditional - conditional sentences of the third type

Conditional sentences of the third type describe an impossible condition, since the action or event has already taken place in the past. Typically they are used to indicate a missed opportunity. Such sentences are translated into Russian using the subjunctive mood (the past tense form with the particle “would”).

The structure of the third type of conditional sentence is as follows:

If you hadn't been late for work, the boss wouldn't have got furious. – If You I'm not late to work, boss I wouldn't be so furious. (the situation has already happened: the opportunity to show up at work on time was missed, and emotional condition it will be difficult or even impossible to change the boss)

It is interesting to note that conditional sentences can express an unreal situation without using a conjunction if(if the predicate includes verbs were, had, could, should). Such cases are called inversion. This means that in a subordinate conditional clause, the auxiliary verb or modal verb comes before the subject. This technique gives the phrase more emotionality and persuasiveness.

Had I known about it before hand I wouldn't have made such a terrible mistake! – I wish I knew I'll talk about this in advance, then wouldn't commit such a terrible mistake!

There were some exceptions in the case of conditional sentences of the third type. Study the small table below. Our examples clearly characterize these additions to the rule.

In order to better understand information about conditional sentences of the third type, we recommend watching the following video:

It is unlikely that anyone will deny that listening to songs in English and using them to understand grammatical rules is an effective activity. It is precisely in order to clearly show you the use of the third type of conditional sentences that we have selected several songs and will analyze them with you.

Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive”

A magnificent song of the disco era and the anthem of all feminists, performed by the singer Gloria Gaynor. This composition is included in the list of the 500 best songs of all time. In it we hear the following phrase:

I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second you"d be back to bother me.

I should have made you give up your key
If only I had known for a second that you would come back to bother me.
(the heroine of the song describes a missed opportunity, she did not take the key from her former lover and, unfortunately for her, the meeting took place)

Want to hear more examples with all types of conditionals? Then quickly watch the next video and perhaps you will come across your favorite song.

Now we suggest you take a short test to consolidate your knowledge about 2 types of conditional sentences, and download a table with the types of conditional sentences in the English language discussed in this article.

(*pdf, 207 Kb)

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Test

How to use English conditionals correctly. Second and third types

Offer – This is a separate statement that has intonation and semantic completeness. A sentence is a word or group of words, organized according to the rules of grammar, that convey a specific message, question, exclamation, or incentive to action.

• It's raining.
• - It's raining.
• Go outside!

- Get outside! What are you doing? - What are you doing? Offers

• English language, as in Russian, depending on how many grammatical bases (combinations of subject and predicate) in a sentence, are divided into
• simple and complex sentences. Simple sentences
• There is my house.

• - This is my home.
• simple I have to go to the university.– I have to go to university.
• Complex sentences is the house where my family lives.

– This is the house where my family lives. I have to go to the university now but I will come back soon. – I have to go to university now, but I’ll be back soon. Simple sentence

• (simple sentence) is a sentence that only contains one grammatical basis
• (one combination of subject and predicate). Kate likes dogs.
• Kate loves dogs. We go jogging every Sunday.

– We go for a run every Sunday.

They didn't go to school last year. They didn’t go to school last year. Simple sentences for the purpose of the statement All, simple sentences, , depending on the purpose of the statement, may be, narrative.

interrogative

imperative (exclamation marks Declarative sentences Declarative sentence declarative sentence ) – a sentence that communicates a specific fact or information in affirmative

• or
• negative form

• . The intonation of such a sentence is mainly descending; direct word order is used (subject before predicate).
• My name is Paul.- My name is Paul.

Kate is good at cooking. Kate is a good cook. I don't like honey.

• - I don't like honey. George hasn’t finished his work yet. George hasn't finished his work yet.
• In English, as a rule, there can be only one negative in a sentence George hasn't finished his work yet.

• , in contrast to the Russian language, where there can be double negation (using together the particle not, nor and negative pronouns, adverbs, etc.).
• I know nothing.

- I do not know anything. I

• In English, as a rule, don't know anything. We met no one yesterday.
• – We didn’t meet anyone yesterday. don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control.“We don’t need any education, we don’t need any thought control.

Interrogative sentences

Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence(imperative sentence) - a sentence that encourages the interlocutor to action, that is, expresses an order, request, command, invitation, etc. In such sentences the subject is often omitted you(you, you), since it is clear from the context, the verb is used only in the infinitive form without a particle to.

• Watch this!- Look at this!
• Listen to me.- Listen to me.
• Go and buy some bread, please.- Go buy some bread, please.

Sometimes in imperative sentences the pronoun you does not lower itself in order to emotionally highlight and strengthen an order or command.

• You sleep now.- You're going to bed now.
• We will rest and you drive.“We’ll rest, and you drive the car.”
• I will go to the shop and you stay at home.– I’ll go to the store, and you stay at home.

In order to form negative imperative sentence(prohibition or request), an auxiliary verb is always used do in the negative form, even with a verb to be.

• Don't give me orders!- Don't order me!
• Don't touch it, please.- Don't touch this, please.

• Don't be so silly!- Don't be so stupid!
• Oh come on don't be mad.- Oh, come on, don't be mad.

To form an order, command directed to third parties, the verb is used to let(allow). To let also used to offer help or when asking for permission to do something.

• Let her go.- Let her go. (Let her go.)
• Let him do whatever he wants.- Let him do whatever he wants.
• Let the children play with our dog.– Let the children play with our dog.

• Let me help you.- Let me help you.
• Let us do this.- Let us do this.

Form let's(short for let us) used to suggest joint action. In this meaning the full form let us practically not used.

• Let's go for a walk!- Let's go for a walk!
• Let's play football outside.- Let's play football in the street.
• Let's invite Paul and Janice to the party.- Let's invite Paul and Janice to the party.

Exclamatory sentences

Exclamatory sentence(exclamatory sentence) – a sentence expressing certain emotions or feelings. Often such sentences begin with the words what And how, but end exclamation mark.

IN exclamatory sentences Only direct word order is used. However, often a sentence may only consist of one or two words.

• Marvelous!
• - Wonderful! (also with a hint of sarcasm)
• How wonderful!
• - How wonderful!

It’s such a beautiful life!

English language, as in Russian, depending on how many grammatical bases (combinations of subject and predicate) in a sentence, are divided into- How wonderful life is! What a lovely day it is.– What a wonderful day today. Types of simple sentences by structure according to their structure (the presence or absence of some members of the sentence) are divided into two-part– What a wonderful day today. And.

one-piece

, as well as on undistributed

• common Two-part sentence
• Two-member sentence(two-part sentence) - a sentence in which both main members of the sentence (subject and predicate) are present, or one of them is omitted because it is clear from the context or the previous sentence.

I don't like this book.– I don’t like this book. We had a lot of fun in Brazil! Swimming in the ocean, drinking cocktails, dancing.– We had a lot of fun in Brazil! We swam in the ocean, drank cocktails, danced.

• Two-Part Sentences , in turn, are divided into complete and incomplete. Complete sentence
• (full sentence) - a two-part sentence in which there is both a subject and a predicate. The
• simple baby was smiling to us.– The child smiled at us.

We've bought a lot of candies for you. (- We bought you a lot of sweets. was a big party at Caroline’s place.

• Caroline had a big party. Incomplete sentence incomplete sentence
• ) – a sentence in which one of the main members of the sentence or both of them is missing, since they are clear from the context. Such sentences are often found in colloquial speech and dialogues. Who did that? Mark, of course.
• - Who did it? Of course Mark. What did he do?

Nothing at all!

- What did he do? Nothing at all! What were we doing? Just chilling and talking. -What did we do? We just relaxed and talked..

One-part sentence

• One-member sentence(one-part sentence) is a special type of sentence in which there is only one main member of the sentence, and it cannot be clearly defined as a noun or predicate. Sometimes such proposals are called
• in sentences-phrases One-part sentences can be expressed using a noun or an infinitive of a verb.
• To be or not to be?- To be or not to be?

Uncommon and common offers

Unextended sentence(unextended sentence) - a sentence in which there are no minor members of the sentence, but only grammatical basis. Both one-part and two-part sentences can be uncommon.

• Spring.
• - Spring.
• To live!- Live!
• Don't talk!- Do not chat!
• She is sleeping.- She is sleeping.

Matt is a student.– Matt is a student. Extended sentence(common sentence) – a sentence in which there is one or more

• minor members of the sentence depending on the subject or predicate.
• Beautiful spring!- Wonderful spring!
• Don't talk to me now!- Don't talk to me now!
• My little sister is sleeping upstairs.- My little sister is sleeping upstairs.

Matt is not really a good student. Matt is not a very good student. ), conditions second type (Conditional 2)- unrealistic. Conditional sentences of the second type are used to express imaginary situations in the present and future; situations that contradict the facts. Actions that convey conditional sentences of the second type, unrealistic.

or unlikely Conditional sentences always have two parts: conditional (if-clause) And main

IN (main clause). Conditional sentences of the second type are formed very simply: conditional part(after IF ) is used only past tense: , and in basic

would with infinitive

without the particle to (first form of the verb, V1).

If the conditional part comes before the main part, it is separated by a comma. If the conditional part comes after the main part, it is not separated by a comma.
To correctly understand the essence of using conditional sentences of the second type, let's imagine:
1. If I lived by the sea, I would sunbathe every day.

2. If we had a million, we would help the poor.

3. If he knew English, he would find a good job.
All these situations are unrealistic because:
1. I don’t live by the sea and it’s unlikely that I will.

2. We don’t have a million and won’t have it in the near future.

If he knew English, find a good job. As you can see, in the conditional part both Russian and English use the past tense (If I lived... - If I lived.

...), and for all persons (I, he, we) we use would: Complete these sentences yourself and come up with a few more imaginary situations:

If I lived near the sea, ...

If I had a million, ...

If I knew English very well, ...

In conditional sentences of the second type, it is permissible to replace was with were for all persons:

If I were very rich, I would buy what I want. But I'm not so rich. - If I were rich, I would buy everything I want. But I'm not so rich.

If he were strong, he would lift this box. Unfortunately, he is not strong enough. - If he was strong, he would have lifted this box. Unfortunately, he is not strong enough.

If she were here, she would help us. She is not here now, so she can't help us. - If she were here, she would help us. She is not here now, so she cannot help us.

Although there is no difference in meaning between was and were, in sentences that indicate unlikely actions(as in the first and second examples), were sounds more formally. And in sentences indicating incredible actions(as in the third example), it is preferable to always use were .

These were basic rules, which are given at the pre-intermediate level, they are quite simple and you should not have problems using Conditional 2 at this stage. Next we will look at what changes can occur in the main and conditional parts of conditional sentences of the second type.

Conditional part

In addition to Past Simple, Past Continuous can be used in the conditional part, if we imagine the action occurring at the moment of speech:

If she were now was walking to the store, she would buy you some sweets, but she’s going to work. -If she were going to the shop now, she would buy you some sweets, but she is going to work.

If I were now led car, I would drive slowly. And you're driving fast. - If I were driving, I would drive slowly. And you are driving fast.

Main part

In the main part, instead of would, you can find the modal verbs could and might.

Could expresses ability (ability), A might- possibility, probability (possibility):

If people had wings, they could fly. - If people had wings, they could fly.

If I were taller, I might be a good basketball player. - If I were taller, I could be a good basketball player.

Now let's take a look various designs, which are used in Conditional 2 and their functions. Each design has its own characteristics and meanings.

If I were you...

Conditional 2 is used to to give advice. To do this, put yourself in the place of another person: If I were you (his/her/your) I would... .

Only in English version the word "place" is not present in the sentence, but instead they say: If I were you... - If I were you,... :

If I were you, I would accept this job offer. - If I were you, I would accept this job offer.

What would you do if you were me? - What would you do if you were in my place?

If I were him, I would tell the truth. - If I were him, I would tell the truth.

The question arises! How to correctly: If I were him/her declarative sentence If I were he/she ?

We can say that both options exist, but the option with he/she described in old grammar reference books, it is offered as a formal, “written” version. In modern spoken English it is acceptable to use him/her.

Instead of If I were you you can say If I were in your position:

If I were in your position, I would stay at home. - If I were you, I would stay at home.

If I were in his position, I wouldn't get angry. - If I were in his place, I wouldn't get angry.

It is also possible to use the inverted version, without if: Were I you ... :

Were I you, I would call them back. - If I were you, I would call them back.

Were I you, I wouldn't spend so much time surfing the net. - If I were you, I wouldn't spend so much time on the Internet.

If it were not for...

There is also a construction If it were not for (If not...), indicating why something happened or did not happen.

If it were not for your help, I would be unemployed. - If it weren't for your help, I would be unemployed.

If it weren't for Mary, we wouldn't know the truth. - If it weren’t for Mary, we wouldn’t know the truth.

This design can be inverted(reverse), without if: Were it not for (If not...). The inverted version is used in formal contexts and, unlike the direct one, never does not use short form (weren"t):

Were it not for your urgent measures, we would have problems. “If it weren’t for your urgent measures, we would have had problems.”

Were it not for his support, I would be still depressed. “If it weren’t for his support, I would still be depressed.”

You can add for the fact that to both constructions:

If it weren't for the fact that you helped me, I would be unemployed. - If it weren't for the fact that you helped me, I would be unemployed.

Were it not for the fact that he supported me, I would be still depressed. “If it weren’t for the fact that he supported me, I would still be depressed.”

Please note that in the above constructions unacceptable use was instead were.

If I were to...

If you want to emphasize that the situation in the present, which the conditional part of the sentence describes, unlikely, unrealistic or very unpleasant, then instead of a semantic verb in the conditional part, you can use the If I were to construction:

If I were to lose all my money, I would be in despair. - If I lost all my money, I would be desperate. (It's an unpleasant thought)

If she were to have a car accident, she would call her husband. - If she had an accident, she would call her husband. (This is a bad situation)

This design can also refer to future actions, indicating that a future action is unlikely or very unpleasant:

If I were to immigrate in the future, I would miss my country. - If I had to move to another country in the future, I would miss my country. (I'm not planning to move, that's unlikely)

If she were to tell my secret, I would not be on speaking terms with her. “If she told me my secret, I wouldn’t talk to her.” (I'm sure she won't tell)

If only...

If you want to express regret about a current or future situation, you can use If only ... clauses:

If only I had some free time - If only I had free time/It’s a pity that I don’t have free time.

If only I knew English. - If only I knew English./It’s a pity that I don’t know English.

Offers with If only identical in meaning to sentences that use the construction I wish. You can find out more about such offers with I wish from.

Here, perhaps, is all the basic information about conditional sentences of the second type (Conditional 2). Let's summarize:

1. Conditional sentences of the second type (Conditional 2) denote unlikely, imaginary, unreal actions in the present and future.

2. In the conditional part (after IF) used only past tense(Simple or Continuous), and in the main one: , and in. Except would, modal verbs can be used in the main part could And might.

3. In the conditional part, was is replaced by were.

4. Constructions with Conditional 2 have various functions:

To consolidate the rules you have learned, make several own examples and write them down. If the examples are from your personal experience, it will be easier for you to remember them. Good luck in learning English!

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One of difficult topics, which includes English grammar, - Conditionals. This section requires detailed consideration. An analogue of such constructions in Russian are sentences in However, in English there are a number of features that must be taken into account when translating.

Null type

This type implies cause-and-effect relationships. It is used in cases where it is necessary to indicate a real condition, the result of which is always relevant. Most often, Zero conditional mood in English is used if you need to point out specific facts, established order, habits, and when advice or instructions are given. Type zero does not refer to any single case, but implies scientific facts, patterns, well-known truths, and everyday repetitive actions.

The construction scheme is as follows:

Such constructions are translated into Russian with the words “if” or “when”, without the particle “would”.

• If people eat more, they become fat. - If people eat more, they gain weight.
• If you set yourself a goal, you must try hard to achieve it. - If you set a goal for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve it.
• If you want to be in good trim, don't eat much. - If you want to be in good shape, don't eat too much.

First type (real present)

First condition is used in cases where we are talking about a real condition and further consequences. Implies probable future developments. This type is used if it is necessary to convey prediction, irrational prejudices, forecasting, intention, warning, future plans, possibilities.

IN in this case the following scheme is used:

According to the context, the first part of the conditional sentence means the future tense and, as a rule, is translated into Russian in the future tense (in the English version, this part of the sentence is presented in the present form).

• If you don"t hurry, you"ll be late for the dinner. - If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for lunch.
• If I miss the plane today, I "ll stay at home. - If I miss the plane today, I will stay at home.
• If you can get a ticket for me, I"ll go to the cinema with you. - If you can get a ticket for me, I will go to the cinema with you.
• If you see my friends later, will you tell them to call me? - If you see my friends later, can you tell them to call me?

Second type (unreal present)

This type expresses hypothetical possibilities in the present or future tense. We may also be talking about something unlikely or practically impossible. Construction scheme:

Note: in similar sentences was needs to be replaced with were. However, occasionally in everyday colloquial speech one can also find was.

First and second conditionals in English may be close in meaning, but the 2nd type assumes that the probability of performing a particular action is much less than in a conditional sentence of the 1st type. This construction can be used when you imagine a different version of the existence of the current reality or express desires related to the present time. In Russian, in such cases there is a subjunctive mood using the words “if”. When translating, one should take into account the features that the English language implies. Second conditional is also called hypothetical.

• If I were you, I would apply for a job. - If I were you, I would apply for a job.
• If I were president, I would make the life in our country better. - would make life in our country better.
• If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go out every night. - If they lived in Los Angeles, they would go for a walk every evening.
• If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly. - If I were an eagle, I could soar and fly.

Third type (unreal past)

This type involves hypothetical situations from the past. As a rule, we are talking about events that did not happen in the past. This structure is used when talking about an imaginary situation, the reverse real facts that happened in the past. Often used to express criticism, regret and indignation.

To use this design, the following scheme is used:

If the word order changes, if is not used.

• If I had worked harder, I would have bought an expensive camera. - If I worked harder, I would buy an expensive camera.
• If I had been invited to her birthday, I would have bought a gift for her. - If I was invited to her birthday, I would buy a gift for her.
• If I had set the alarm, I wouldn't have overslept. - If I set the alarm, I wouldn't oversleep.

Mixed type

Mixed conditionals in English imply a comparison of the second and third types. As a rule, such constructions are used if one part of the sentence refers to the past tense, and the second to the present.

Scheme 1: the condition refers to the past tense, and the consequence - to the present.

Scheme 2: the consequence refers to the past tense, and the condition - to the present.

Mixed conditionals in English, examples of which are presented below, will require more detailed study, since at first glance this topic may seem somewhat complicated.

• If I knew that actor, I would have spoken to him. - If I knew that actor, I would talk to him. (In this example, the first part containing the condition represents type 2, and the main part is type 3).
• If Gabriela had found a job, she wouldn't be searching for one know. - If Gabriela had found a job, she would not be looking for it now. (The conditional part belongs to the third type, and the main part to the second).

Punctuation features

If a subordinate clause containing a condition appears before a chapter, a comma is placed between them. If the order is reversed, there is no comma.

For example:

• If you had called him, he would have come immediately. - If you called him, he would come immediately.
• He would have come if you called. - He would have come if you called him.

Understanding the topic of Conditionals in English and learning to define certain ones in the original language is quite easy if you devote enough time to this issue. However, difficulties may arise when translating from Russian. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• Sentences containing the words “if” and “if” are conditional, which means that when translating into English you will have to take into account
• It must be determined whether the implied condition is real or unreal. If the particle “would” is present, then the condition in this phrase is unreal.
• What time does the conditional part refer to? If to the past - this is the third type. If to the present or future - the second.
• In cases where one part complex sentence refers to the past, and the second - to the present, a mixed type is used.

Conditionals in English: exercises with answers

Completing various tasks will help you learn information faster:

Exercise 1:

a) compare parts of sentences and determine the type of condition;
b) translate into Russian.

Task 2: translate into English, determine the type:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it.
2. If you want to win, you need to try harder.
3. If he loved books, he would read them.
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better.
5. If it rains when we arrive, we will cancel the picnic.

Answers 1:

1. C. If you had listened to my advice, you would not have such troubles. (3)
2. D. If you are sick, consult a doctor. (0)
3. A. If I go to the competition, I will win. (2)
4. E. If he found out, he would be angry. (3)
5. B. If I were you, I would put on a coat. (2)
6. F. If you make a mistake, the teacher will correct you. (1)

Answers 2:

1. If you had called me, I would have known about it. (3)
2. If you want to win, you have to try harder. (1)
3. If he liked books, he would read them. (2)
4. If people go to the gym, they feel better. (0)
5. If it is raining when we arrive, we"ll cancel the picnic. (1)

The topic of Conditionals in English is quite easy to understand. In order to freely use various grammatical formulas and constructions in everyday speech, accurately determining the type of conditional sentence, it is extremely important to consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. In addition to performing exercises on translation and comparison of phrases, you need to include such structures in your everyday speech, find them in the process of reading literature in the original and use them in writing.

We all love to dream:

“If he knew English, he would go to live abroad. If she had a lot of money, she would open her own store. If they lived by the sea, they would surf."

In all these sentences we are talking about imaginary events that do not actually exist.

In English, we build such sentences using the second type of conditional sentences.

Many people learning English have problems understanding this topic, so today we will look in detail at how to construct such sentences.

Conditional sentences of type 2 (Second conditional) we use when we talk about imaginary situations in the present and future . The events referred to in such sentences are unlikely or unrealistic.

For example:

If he won the lottery, he would buy a car. (But it is unlikely that he will win)

If it hadn't been raining, we would have gone for a walk in the park. (But it's raining, so the action is unrealistic)

Let's look at how to construct such sentences in English.

Rules for the formation of type 2 conditional sentences in English

Conditional sentences of type 2 consist of 2 parts:

• condition - events that are unrealistic or unlikely
• main part - the action that would occur if the condition were met

A conditional sentence can begin with either a main clause or a condition.

How to build each of these parts?

Main part

The main part contains an action that could happen in the present or future, but is unlikely to happen.

The main part is formed using would(this will is in the past tense). When constructing a sentence, we put would after the actor, and then comes the verb in the initial form.

Also in such sentences, instead of would, the following can be used:

• should - should
• could - may/could
• might - perhaps/can

In English, as a rule, would buy it……
I would buy this......

He would go abroad…
He would go abroad.....

He could come…..
He could come......

Conditional part

This part contains a condition that is unrealistic or unlikely.

In the conditional part we use the Past Simple tense.

Depending on the verb, this tense is formed as follows:

• if the verb is regular, we add the ending -ed (cook - cooked)
• if the verb is not regular, we put it in the 2nd form (see - saw).

The conditional part begins with the word if, which is translated as “if”.

By connecting the two parts we get the following diagram formation of conditional sentences of type 2:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + regular verb with ending -ed or 2nd form irregular verb

He would buy the car if he won the lottery.
He would buy a car if he won the lottery.

They would call you if they had a phone.
They would call you if they had a phone.

We can swap the two parts, putting the condition first. Education rules will remain the same. Only a comma will be added to separate the two parts of the sentence.

If + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb, actor + would + action

If she had enough time, she would cook dinner.
If she had time, she would cook dinner.

If we went to this club, we would dance all night.
If we went to this club, we would dance all night.

Also, in conditional sentences of the second type, the verb to be is very often used in the conditional part. Let's look at this in detail.

Using the verb to be in type 2 conditional sentences in English

In English there is special kind verb - verb to be. We use it when we say that someone:

• Located somewhere (He's in the park)
• Is someone (She's a nurse)
• Is somehow (Gray cat)

In type 2 conditional sentences, the verb to be is usually used in the conditional part, so we put it in the past tense. Moreover, regardless of the actor, we use the form - were.

Incorrect: If she was a teacher…..
If she were a teacher.....

Correct: If she were a teacher…...
If she were a teacher......

If + actor + were + place/state/phenomenon + actor + would + action

If they were rich, they would travel.
If they were rich, they would travel.

If she were you, she would do it.
If she were you (in your place), she would do it.

In spoken English this rule is not always followed. You may see was used instead of were in colloquial speech. But the use of were in such sentences remains grammatically correct.

Conditional sentences of the second type with negation in English

We can use negation in such sentences. Negative ones can be:

• Main part
• Condition
• Both parts

Negation in the main part

To make the main part negative, afterwouldwe put not.

We can shorten: would + not = wouldn't’ t.

The scheme for forming such a sentence will be:

Actor + wouldn’t + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb

Negation in part with condition

Since this part uses Past Simple, then negation is formed using an auxiliary verb did and the negative particle not. In this case, we do not change the verb in any way; it is in the initial form.

We often use the abbreviation:

did + not = didn't’ t

Scheme for the formation of such a sentence:

Actor + would + action + if + actor + didn’t + action

They would go to the cinema if they didn't study.
They would go to the cinema if they weren't studying.

She would go to bed if she didn't work at night.
She would go to bed if she didn't work at night.

Negation with the verb to be in the conditional part

If the part with the condition contains the verb to be (were), then we simply put not after it.

We can shorten:

were + not = weren’t

If he weren't a doctor, he would be a teacher.
If he were not a doctor, he would be a teacher.

If I weren't sick, I would join you.
If I weren't sick, I would join you.

Negation in both parts of the conditional sentence

If there is a negation in both parts, the sentence is constructed according to the scheme

Actor + wouldn’t + action + if + actor + didn’t (weren"t) + action (place/state/phenomenon)

As you can see, in the first part we add not to would, in the second we put didn't.

She wouldn't go to his party if she didn't know him.
She wouldn't have gone to his party if she didn't know him.

They wouldn't help all people if they weren't so kind.
They wouldn't help all the people if they weren't so kind.

Now let's look at how to ask questions.

Question with conditional sentence type 2 in English

We ask a question to find out whether a person would do something under certain conditions or not.

When we ask a question, we only change the main part. In it we put would in first place. The part containing the condition does not change.

The interrogative sentence pattern will be as follows:

Would + actor + action + if + actor + regular verb ending -ed or 2nd form of irregular verb?

Would he buy this if he had any money?
Would he buy it if he had the money?

Would she stay at home if she had weekend?
Would she stay home if she had a day off?

We give the answer to the main part, therefore:

• a positive answer will contain yes, agent and would

Would they study English if they had enough time? Yes, they would.
Would they study English if they had enough time? Yes, we would study it.

• a negative answer will contain no, actor, would + not

Would he help her if he knew about her problems? No, he wouldn't’ t.
Would he help her if he knew about her problems? No, it wouldn't help.

So, we have analyzed the theory. Now let's consolidate the use of conditional sentences of type 2 in practice.

Consolidation exercise

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. If she told everything, he would help her.
2. She would wear this dress if she went to a restaurant.
3. He would buy this car if it were black.
4. They wouldn't go to school if they had holidays.
5. If he did not live in New York, he would live in Moscow.
6. Would she go to the cinema if she didn’t work?

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.