The Type 2 Conditional
Here we use a
simple
past
in the if-clause and would + infinitive (bare
form of the verb) in the result clause.
-
If
you
asked, they would help
you.
-
If
it
rained, you would get
wet.
-
If
you
loved her, she would love
you.
-
If
I
had more money, I would buy a new
car.
-
If
he
studied more, he would pass the
exam.
-
If
I
were the President, I would lower
taxes.
The type 2 conditional refers to
present and future situations. It is used to talk about unreal
- impossible, improbable or imaginary - situations. It refers
to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable
result.
Type 1 or type 2 - What to
use?
Real and imaginary
situations
The type 1 conditional is often
called the real conditional. It is used for real and possible
situations. The type 2 conditional is used for unreal -
impossible, improbable or imaginary -
situations.
Compare:
-
If I
become the President
, I will give free electricity to farmers. (Said by
a candidate, who may win the election - Type
1)
-
If I
win this race
, I
will... (- Said by the fastest runner - Type
1)
-
If I
became the President
, I would give free electricity to
farmers.
(Said
by a child - Type
2)
-
If I
won this race,
I
would... (- Said by the slowest runner - Type
2)
Direct requests and
suggestions
In direct request or suggestions we use
type 1 conditional. To make a request or suggestion more
polite, we use type 2
conditional.
Compare:
-
I
will be grateful if you lend me some
money.
(direct
request - Type
1)
-
It
will be nice if you help
me.
(direct
request - Type
1)
-
It would be nice if you helped me.
(less direct, more polite request - Type
2)
I would be grateful if you lent me some
money.
(more polite request - Type
2)
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