Conditional Type 2 (Second Conditional)

This is the dreaming conditional. The if part uses the past tense, but it's not about the past. The past form just tells the listener: this isn't real.

Type 1 or type 2?

The difference is how real it feels to you.

Same idea, different feeling

සිංහලෙන්

• If I get the job, I'll move to Colombo.type 1: a real chance
• If I got the job, I'd move to Colombo.type 2: I doubt it

When do we use it?

1. Imagining a different present

Not true now

සිංහලෙන්

• If I were rich, I'd travel the world. (But I'm not rich.)
• If I knew her number, I'd call her. (But I don't.)
• If we lived near the beach, we'd swim every day.
• If I had a car, I'd drop you home.

2. Unlikely future

Probably won't happen

සිංහලෙන්

• What would you say if the President called you?
• If I won the lottery, I'd build Amma a new house.

3. Advice: "If I were you…"

This is one of the most useful phrases in English. 👌

If I were you

සිංහලෙන්

• If I were you, I'd see a doctor.
• If I were you, I'd tell the truth.
• If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it.

4. Polite requests

Polite

සිංහලෙන්

• Would you mind if I closed the window?
• It would be great if you finished it today.

were or was?

After if, you can use were with every subject: if I were, if she were, if it were. It's the more correct form, especially in writing and exams. You'll hear if I was when people speak, and that's fine in conversation.

Other words instead of "would"

could / might

සිංහලෙන්

• He could help you if you asked him.ability
• We might buy a house if we had more money.maybe

Quick check

Tap an answer. Nothing is saved.

1. If I more time, I'd learn to play the guitar.

   hadhavewould have

2. If she lived in Kandy, she visit the Dalada Maligawa every week.

   wouldwill

3. If I you, I wouldn't lend him money. 😬

   weream

4. If I won the lottery, I a house by the sea.

   'll buy'd buy

5. I'd tell you the answer if I it.

   knewknow