In this Grammar2Remember, we'll talk about a more advanced form of the second conditional. To review our first post on the second conditional, go to our blog on Feb. 4, 2011.
In general, advanced forms of second conditional sentences flip the verb "were" and the subject in the "if clause" and eliminate the word "if". Nouns, adjectives, participles (ing forms), and prepositional phrases then follow the noun in the "if clause".
like this:
1. If Tom were rich, he would definitely quit his job. (Tom is not rich.)
(advanced form) Were Tom rich, he would definitely quit his job.
2. If I were the producer, I would spend more money on this film. (I am not the producer.)
(advanced form) Were I the producer, I would spend more money on this film.
3. If Sam were first on the list, he would already have the car. (Sam is not first on the list.)
(advanced form) Were Sam first on the list, he would already have the car.
4. If they were of legal age, we would let them in. (They are not of legal age.)
(advanced form) Were they of legal age, we would let them in.
5. If she were going to the party, I'd pick her up. (She is not going to the party.)
(advanced form) Were she going to the party, I'd pick her up.
So what if the "if clause" had a verb other than "were"? For example, If I had a yacht, I would go ... Well, let's talk about this on the next blog. For now, let's practice and finish these sentences:
Were I an American, I would ...
Were I living in ... , I might ...
Were I a lot taller, I could ...
Feel free to comment and share your sentences. Good luck!
Joe Yu
joeyu@thesmallguidesite.com
thesmallguidesite.com
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