Second Conditional
We use the Second Conditional to talk about imaginary, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their imagined results.
Form and Structure
The Second Conditional has two parts: an 'if' clause and a result clause. In the 'if' clause we use the past simple, and in the result clause we use 'would' + the base form of the verb. You can start the sentence with either clause, and when the 'if' clause comes first, we usually put a comma after it.
- •If I had more money, I would travel around the world.
- •She would buy a new car if she earned a higher salary.
- •If they lived closer, we would see them more often.
When We Use It
We use the Second Conditional for situations that are not real now or are very unlikely to happen. It is also common for imagining things that are impossible, like changing the present. Remember that the past tense here does not talk about the past; it shows that the situation is imaginary.
- •If I were a bird, I would fly to the mountains.
- •If he spoke French, he would apply for that job in Paris.
- •We would help you if we had more time.
Special Note: 'were' and 'could'
In the Second Conditional we often use 'were' for all subjects, including 'I', 'he', 'she', and 'it', especially in the phrase 'If I were you' to give advice. We can also use 'could' instead of 'would' to talk about ability or possibility. Both 'would' and 'could' are followed by the base form of the verb.
- •If I were you, I would talk to your teacher.
- •If she were taller, she could play basketball.
- •If we had a car, we could visit you every weekend.