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3. Second Conditional (Type 2) 很可能與現在或未來的事實相反的條件句

The second conditional, often called “unreal conditional”, is a structure used when it is impossible for the result to occur in the present or in the future. 

For example:

A.  與現在事實相反 (Present Unreal Conditional)

If I were a millionaire, I would donate half of my assets to orphanage.

= Were I a millionaire, I would donate half of my assets to orphanage.

=> In reality, I am not a millionaire.

We would buy a vacation home in Hawaii if it were cheaper.

=> In reality, a vacation home in Hawaii is expensive.

If I had more money, I could buy a vacation home in Hawaii .

=> In reality, I do not have enough money to buy a vacation home in Hawaii .

If I were in Paris , I would be enjoying my afternoon at the sidewalk café.

=> In reality, I am not in Paris , so I am not enjoying my afternoon at the sidewalk café.

If Mary were having lunch with us, we might be able to go shopping afterwards.

=> Too bad that Mary is not having lunch with us, so we are unable to go shopping afterwards.

I wish I were rich.

=> In reality, I am poor.

Present Real Conditional (Type 1) vs. Present Unreal Conditional (Type 2)

現在條件語氣 VS. 假設條件語氣

Present Real Conditional:

We will host an outdoor party today if the weather is good.

=> The weather can be good and we are likely to host an outdoor party.

Present Unreal Conditional:

We could host an outdoor party if the weather were good. 

=> In reality, the weather is bad, so we can not host an outdoor party. 

B. 與未來事實相反 (Future Unreal Conditional)

He would come to my house if he didn’t have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.

=> In reality he has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so he cannot come to my house.

If I were staying in Paris two weeks from now, I would be bringing my dog with me.

=> In reality, I am not staying in Paris two weeks from now, so I am not going to bring my dog with me.

Future Real Conditional (Type 1) vs. Future Unreal Conditional (Type 2)  未來條件語氣 VS. 假設條件語氣

Future Real Conditional:

If he doesn’t have to work late tomorrow, he will come to my house.

=> He may work late and he may not. 

Future Unreal Conditional

If he didn’t have to work late tomorrow, he would come to my house.

=> He has to work late tomorrow.  

Previous => 條件句 3-7: The First Conditional (現在或未來可能成為事實)

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