To express impossible, unrealistic imagination with minimum probability, second conditional sentences are used. As per rules, it is prescribed to use would, could, and should modals with simple past in the if….clause. Let’s learn how to form conditional sentences by simple past tense.
“If I were the captain of cricket team, I could win the trophy for nation”.
Understanding meaning and rules of conditional sentences with simple past tense
In the above example,” If I were the captain of cricket team — ( prefer to use “were” instead of “was” for any subject)
In the main clause — I could win the trophy for nation, “could” modal verb is used, not can.
Suppose, you were the captain but in reality you weren’t. You are just imagining about. You could win the trophy for nation, but, the team failed to win the trophy.
In the above example, you weren’t the captain not you won the trophy. Hence, you are just imagining past unrealized yet irreversible action or result.
In easier way, ” If first thing happened, second would happen thereafter” this is the hidden meaning of conditional sentences by simple past tense.
Structure of conditional sentences by simple past tense
First, simple past tense should be used in if….clause.
Second, in the main clause, would, could, should, might, present conditionals are essential.
Third, comma is used when the if clause comes first.
Fourth, It describes past actions that may be probable but hardly possible.
(If….clause + comma + main clause with modals) Or
(Main clause with modals + if….. clause)
If you reached early at airport, you would not miss your flight.
Zero conditional vs first conditional vs second conditional sentences.
Zero Conditional sentences use simple present tense in both if…..clause and main clause. It is used to describe the general truth.
You feel better if you meditate in the morning.
If you drink a lot of water, it keeps you healthy.
If you use tubeless tyres, it lasts long.
First Conditional sentences are formed with simple future tense in main clause. And, it describes possibility or likelihood.
You will loose or earn more money if you invest in equity market.
If you reduce salt intake, it will keep blood pressure under control.
And, second conditional sentences that I am explaining in this blog are formed by simple past tense with present conditionls like modal verbs would, should, could, might etc. It doesn’t express realistic scenarios but slight probability.
If I were you, I would help needy.
Or, if you did health checkup early, you could find infection in early stage.
If you kept watch with you, you could manage time during exam.
Useful examples of conditional sentences by simple past tense
“If you maintained quality” — if…. clause in simple past.
a) Your restaurant would gain more customers – main clause in present conditionls.
b) You might boost more revenue.
c) You could earn more reputation.
d) you would be more popular in city.
1.If you maintained quality, your restaurant would gain more customers.
2.If you maintained quality, you might boost more revenue.
3) If you maintained quality, you could earn more reputation.
4) If you maintained quality, you would be more popular in city.
“If it rained heavily” — if….clause in simple past.
a) There land would be creeping in hills — main clause by present continuous conditionls.
b) Tourists would be struggling in Himalayas.
c) There could overflow in river.
d) People might loose life in mountains.
1.If it rained heavily, there land would be creeping in hills.
2.If it rained heavily, tourists would be struggling in Himalayas.
3.If it rained heavily, rivers could be flooding in lowlands.
4.If it rained heavily, people might loose life in mountains.
Conditional sentences with “were”
“If I were you”,
a) I would be saving a lot of money.
b) I could help poor.
c) I might bring hope.
- If I were you, I would be saving a lot of money.
- If I were you, I could help poor.
- If I were you, I might bring hope.
“If they played well”,
a) They could win the trophy.
b) They might score 400 runs.
c) They would be playing in final.
1.If they played well, they could win the trophy.
2.If they played well, they might score 400 runs.
3.If they played well, they would be playing in final.
These are some useful examples of conditional sentences by simple past tense and present conditionls with could, should, would and might.