Nuevo Colegio del Prado: 2017

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

SECOND CONDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

SECOND CONDITIONAL VIDEO. FRIENDS SCENE.

Hello guys, in this short scene you could watch the use of Second Conditional. Also, write comments about the joke. 8°A, the 3 first comments will get a 5.0 on the next homework check. So you have until 10:54 tomorrow evening to do it! (24 hrs)

SECOND CONDITIONAL EXPLANATION.

Second Conditional

Use:
The second conditional structure is used to talk about imaginary situations and the consequences.
                Example: If I had a car, I could visit my friend.
                (But the truth is, I do not have a car, and I cannot visit my friend).

The second conditional structure is also used to talk about imaginary abilities and the consequences.
Example: If I could fly, I wouldn’t need a car.
(But the truth is, I cannot fly, and so I need a car.)

Form:
1) Make the second conditional in this way.

I
you
he
she...

past simple

I
you
he
she...

would / wouldn’t
‘d

could / couldn’t

verb
(infinitive form)

Example: If we had more money, we would buy that house.

I
you
he
she...

would / wouldn’t
‘d

could / couldn’t

verb
(infinitive form)

I
you
he
she...

past simple

Example: She’d be more successful if she worked harder.

2) The verb to be can use were for all subjects. This is particularly true in the sentence: If I were you…
If I were you, I’d buy a bicycle.

However, this rule is often overlooked.
If he were more careful, he wouldn’t break everything. =>
If he was more careful, he wouldn’t break everything.

3) To talk about imaginary abilities, use could.

I
you
he
she...

could + verb (infinitive)

I
you
he
she...

would / wouldn’t
‘d

verb
(infinitive form)

Example: If I could help you, I would!

4) Notice that the infinitive verb after the modal verbs is not necessary if the meaning is clear. Don’t contract modal verbs when there is no infinitive verb present.

If I could pay, ~~I’d~~... => If I could pay, I would...

Common errors:
1) Many students write would after If
~~If I would have a lot of money, I would buy that car!~~
=> If I had a lot of money, I would buy that car!

2) Many students forget to use could to talk about abilities.
If I played the drums, I’d join a band.
=> If I could play the drums, I’d join a band.