Conditional Example 2

When we express two sentences in which one is the condition for the other to be fulfilled or carried out, we speak of a conditional. In English there are 4 types of conditionals that are classified with the numbers 0, 1, 2 and 3.

The conditional 2 or second conditional, is a conditional sentence that we use to talk about situations that are very unlikely to happen, either because they are unreal, fictitious or dreams.

The basic structure of a conditional 2 is: conditional particle if, followed by a simple past tense sentence (condition), a comma to separate the sentences, followed by a sentence with the modal verbs would or could (both are translated as "could, could") and a verb in simple form (Outcome):

If + condition (past simple) +, + result (phrase with would or could + simple verb)

If I won the race, we could to eat in Macy’s.

If you studied, you would obtain a good job.

Negative forms. The second conditional can also be expressed in negative sentences. If we use the if conditional, then both sentences must be negative:

If He didn’t win the race, he couldn’t obtain the prize.

If we didn’t wake up early, we wouldn’t be on time at school.

Another way to write negative conditionals is to use unless instead of if. Unless means "unless", which gives a sense that the result would not have been if the condition had not been met. In this case, the condition sentence is positive, and the result sentence is negative:

Unless I ran fast, I couldn’t arrive the last.

Unless we spent less money, we wouldn't finish the month.

Sometimes the order of the sentences can also be reversed. In this case, the sentence of the result will be written first and then the condition, keeping the conditional particle (if or unless). In this case, the comma between the sentences is eliminated:

I would be a doctor if I could go to school.

I couldn't go to the beach unless I saved money.

10 examples of sentences with conditional 2

If you want a good future, you could obtain a good way of life.

You could achieve your goals if you began to work on your youngness.

Unless you woke up, you couldn't be on time for school.

If you didn't go to the party, Helen wouldn't go away.

If you thought to be the best, you could begin your practice.

If we did our homework, the teacher would give us a prize.

If Joan didn’t receive her title from her, I wouldn’t buy her the gift.

I couldn't buy a horse unless you gave me a good reason.

Unless you found a pair of glasses, you couldn't see well.

If you want to finish this lesson, you could read next sentence.