IF CONDITIONAL TYPE 2

IF CLAUSES / CONDITIONAL CLAUSES (Type 2)

Causes consist of two sentences. One is a clause that starts with if, which is called as ‘if clause’. The other is called the Main clause. Each sentence has a verb. It is important to know which tenses are to be used in these clauses and they play a big role in determining the meaning of the sentence.

Detailed information for the type 2 is given below:

Form of The Type 2 :

The tense in if clause is generally simple past tense; the tense in main clause is generrally would although there are different uses which we will specify below.

Type	If clause (condition)	Main clause (result)
Type 2	If  + Simple past Past Continuous Past Modals (could, had to…)	would could     + V1 or be + V-ing

Using Type 2:

The conditional sentences indicate us a possible condition and its probable result. It means that the expected actions depends on a condition. If Clauses – Type 2 is used to express dreams, unreal situations and things that are unlikely to happen. In other words, The condition specified in the clause is not actual but is a condition that is currently being imagined. Although the verb is used in the past, we use type 2 when talking about present time or now.

Examples:

• If I had money (if clause), I would give you(main clause). ( but I don’t have money)
• If she knew the answer, she would win the prize. ( but she doesn’t know the answer)
• If I didn’t smoke, I would be healty. ( but I smoke so I am not healty)
• If he had enough experience fort he job, the boss could hire him. ( but he doesn’t )
• If I had your phone number, I would call you. ( but I don’t have your phone number)
• If you came to the party, we would have a lot of fun. ( but you don’t come to the party)
• If I were a rich man, I would buy a home like palace. ( but I am poor)
• If I could speak english very well, I would look for a job in foreign companies. ( but I can’t)
• If he had time, he would study well for his exam. ( but he doesn’t have time)
• If it didn’t rain, we would go on a picnic. ( but it is raining)
• If my house was in the forest, I would walk constantly in the green. ( but my house doesn’t in the forest)
• If I were you, I would want to be a doctor. ( but I am not you)
• If I understood what the teacher said, I could tell you. ( but I don’t understand )
• If she weren’t ill, she would go to the school. ( but she is ill )
• If I were a chairman, I would offer new and different ideas. ( but I am not chairman)
• If you participated in the election, people would choose you. ( but you don’t participate )

Notes:

1. The sentence can begin with an if clause or a main clause. If the sentence begins with an ‘if clause’, put a comma between the if clause and the main clause.

If + past tense, or could + (,) +  present unreal conditional ( would  or modals )

Present unreal conditional ( would or modals ) + if + past tense, or could

Examples:

• If I went to Paris, I would see the Eiffel Tower. / I would see the Eiffel Tower if I went to Paris.
• If you had a n invitation card, you should go to the party. / You should go to the party if you had an invitation card.
• If we used the time properly, we would finish our project. / we would finish our project if we used the time properly