USE
We use the second conditional (Type 2) to talk about imaginary or unreal situations which are unlikely to happen in the present or future.
If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house.
(But I haven't got much money, so it is unlikely that I will buy a house.)
FORM
1. The second conditional sentences consist of two parts: the if-clause and the main clause.
E.g.
If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house.
If I had a lot of money — the if-clause
I would buy a house — the main clause
2. When the if-clause comes before the main clause, they are separated with a comma.
If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house.
3. When the main clause comes before the if-clause, they are not separated with a comma.
I would buy a house if I had a lot of money.
4. In interrogative sentences, the main clause is formed like a question and the if-clause is formed like an affirmative sentence.
Would you pass the exam, if you studied hard?
(NOT: Would you pass the exam, if did you study hard?)
If you studied hard, would you pass the exam?
(NOT: If did you study hard, would you pass the exam?)
5. We do not use “when” instead of “if” in the second conditional sentences.
