Have you ever wanted to express your hopes and dreams? The second conditional is the best way to talk about situations that are imaginary or unlikely to happen, now or in the future.
Remember, the form is:
If + past simple , would/wouldn't + infinitive.... and the rest of what you want to say.
For example:
If I were a country singer, I would wear custom cowboy boots covered in diamonds.
Unfortunately, I'm not a country singer and custom cowboy boots covered in diamonds are out of my price range, so this will remain a dream!
Speaking of country singers, country music is a great place to find real life examples of second conditional sentences. Have a look at these lyrics and try to identify the second conditional. Then, listen to the songs. Try to understand the story, then listen again and sing along very loudly. You can see the lyrics on Spotify, or find them on YouTube.
REMEMBER: Songs often change grammar to make the words go with the song… Can you see any examples or spot any mistakes? Post answers/questions/links to videos of you doing second conditional karaoke in the comments J
Would you go with me? - Josh Turner
If I gave you my hand, would you take it and make me the happiest man in the world?
If you were my girl - Brett Eldredge
I’d make you feel like you’re all I need in this whole world, if you were my girl.
I Told You So - Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis
If I told you that I realized you're all I ever wanted and it's killing me to be so far away, would you tell me that you love me too, and would we cry together, or would you simply laugh at me and say……. I TOOOOOOOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If I Were A Carpenter - Johnny Cash
If I were a carpenter, and you were a lady, would you marry me anyway? Would you have my baby?
If I Had Another Heart - Randy Rogers Band
If I had another heart I’d let you break that one too.
If Love Was Fair - Ashley Monroe
If love was fair, I’d be golden.
If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
If I didn’t love you, I’d be good by now.
If You Were Mine – Miranda Lambert and Leon Bridges
I’d rope the moon for you a million times if you were mine.
If Texas Had A Heart – Alyssa Micaela
If Texas had a smile it would shine big and bright.
If I Was A Cowboy – Miranda Lambert
If I was a cowboy, I’d be wild and free.
To explore more conditional country songs, check out this playlist 😊