Second Conditional - One Minute Grammar

Shantel / United Statesflag

If you won the lottery, what would you do?

Hello. My name is Shantel and I'm from California. Today's question is, if you won the lottery, what would you do?

Well, if I won the lottery I would pay off all the debt my friends and family have. Many of my friends and family have to pay for student loans and house mortgages, so I want to help them get out of debt. Because if they don't have debt, they'll have less stress and be able to live more freely. 

If I won the lottery, I would have enough money to help them and I could donate the rest to charities around the world. And lastly, if I were rich I would start a collection of really old vintage cameras that I would take with me on my trips to help these charities around the world. 

Second Conditional - Grammar Notes

Point 1: The second conditional refers to the future, when there is little chance of the action happening.
  • What would you do if you won the lottery?
  • I would quit my job. What would you do?
  • I would move to the beach.
  • I would do that too if I could swim!
Point 2: The 'if' clause can start the sentence or come at the end of the independent clause.
  1. I would be very happy if I saw a full eclipse.
  2. If I saw a full eclipse, I would be very happy.
  3. If I were tall, I would try out for the basketball team.
  4. I would try out for the basketball team if I were tall.
Point 3: Instead of would in affirmative sentences, you can use 'd instead.
  1. I'd be very happy if I saw a full eclipse.
  2. If you saved your money, you'd be rich.
  3. If they came to class more often, they'd pass.
  4. If we practiced more, we'd be pretty good.
Point 4: We can use 'could' instead of 'would'.
  1. I could travel the world if I were a billionaire.
  2. If I spoke Spanish, I could work in Costa Rica.
  3. If you tried harder, you could get an A in the class.
  4. If you saved your money, you could afford to travel.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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Gary and Gill are dreaming about being rich one quiet Sunday afternoon.