Second conditional
The second conditional expresses hypothetical, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their imaginary consequences.
Before this, learn: Past Simple
1.Clauses Recap
1.1The Basics
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can function as a whole sentence (a main clause) or as part of a sentence (a subordinate clause).
A main clause, also called an Independent Clause, expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
A subordinate clause, also called a Dependent Clause, needs more information to be a full sentence: it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone; it needs to be connected to an independent clause.
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|
| She will help me. | If I ask her about it |
| I would go for a walk. | If it weren't that cold |
| We'll go out. | If the meeting ends |
| You'll pass the test. | If you study hard |
There are different types of Subordinate clauses - see Topic Clauses.
We normally express a condition using an if - clause with a main clause.
Conditional sentences / Conditionals are often categorised as: Zero, First, Second, Third, Mixed and False.
1.2When and If
The words When and If are similar in many languages but different in English:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| If you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you may come |
| When you come to my place tonight, we'll have dinner together. | = you are coming. |
Test yourself
2.Second Conditional UNREAL / Structure
2.1Standard Forms
The second conditional expresses hypothetical, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future and their imaginary consequences. It deals with situations that are improbable or contrary to current reality.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Rules and Tenses | Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If: Past Simple Main: Future Simple in the Past (would + base verb) |
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house. If she were here, she would help us. If I were rich, I would travel the world. |
Unlikely hypothetical situation and its imaginary result, unlikely future Contrary to present reality (she is not here) Unreal present: I am not rich now |
Test yourself
2.2Alternative Forms
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Rules and Tenses | Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| If: Past Progressive (Continuous) Main: Future in the Past (would + base verb) |
If I were living in Paris, I would visit museums every day. | Hypothetical ongoing situation and its imaginary consequence, I am not living in Paris. |
| If: Past Simple could/might + base verb |
If you tried harder, you could succeed. If it were sunny, we might go to the beach. |
Hypothetical ability or possibility Less certain hypothetical outcome / It is actually not sunny now. |
| If: Past Simple Main: Future Progressive (Continuous) in the Past would be + -ing |
If I had more time, I would be traveling around the world. | Hypothetical ongoing activity, I don't have more time and I am not traveling. |
Test yourself
3.Use
3.1Imaginary or Unreal Situations
In Imaginary or Unreal Situations we talk about Present and Future, but impossible or very unlikely. We focus on general, timeless, or ongoing hypothetical situations, often impossible or extremely unlikely (almost dream-like).
Such situations can refer to the present or a general future (not a specific moment).
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If I were a bird, I would fly everywhere. | I can never be a bird-this is pure imagination. |
| If she knew the answer, she would tell us. | She doesn't know the answer (current unreal situation). |
| If we had unlimited money, we'd never work again. | Having unlimited money is impossible-this is a fantasy. |
| If he were taller, he'd play basketball professionally. | He isn't tall (present reality makes this hypothetical). |
| If dogs could talk, they'd complain about their owners. | Dogs can't talk-this is an unreal, playful idea. |
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3.2Hypothetical Future Outcomes
Hypothetical Future Outcomes focus on a specific future event, unlikely but not impossible. Here we talk about a specific future situation that is unlikely but theoretically possible (low chance, but not impossible, could happen under rare circumstances) and refer to a particular future moment (often with a time reference).
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If it snowed today, schools would close. | Snow is unlikely today, but not impossible-this predicts the result. |
| If you missed the train, you'd have to take a taxi. | Missing the train is possible but not planned-this is a contingency. |
| If they offered me the job, I'd accept it immediately. | The job offer might not happen, but if it does, this is the response. |
| If she won the competition, she'd get a scholarship. | Winning is uncertain, but this describes the consequence. |
| If the power went out tonight, we'd light candles. | A power outage is possible but not expected-this is the backup plan. |
Test yourself
3.3Dreams and Wishes
The second conditional expresses unrealistic dreams or wishes that are unlikely to come true.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If time travel existed, I would visit ancient Rome. | A wish about something scientifically impossible. |
| If I were invisible, I would sneak into concerts for free. | An impossible but amusing idea. |
| If I had superpowers, I would fly like Superman. | A playful, impossible dream. |
| If I could meet any celebrity, I would choose John Lennon. | A fun, unrealistic wish about meeting a famous person. |
| If money were no object, I would buy an island. | A fantasy about unlimited wealth. |
Test yourself
3.4Polite Requests
The second conditional can make requests less direct and more polite.
Use were for all persons in second conditional. In informal language it's also possible to use was in 1st and 3rd Person Singular.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| If you had a minute, would you help me with this? | A polite way to ask for help without sounding demanding. |
| If it weren't too much trouble, could you pass me the salt? | A softer way to make a small request. |
| If you weren't busy, would you join me for lunch? | A gentle invitation instead of a direct question. |
| If you had the time, would you proofread my essay? | A considerate way to ask for a favor. |
| If you could lend me some money, I would pay you back next week. | A tentative and polite way to ask for a loan. |
Test yourself
4.Frequently asked questions
When do you use the second conditional?
Use the second conditional for imaginary or unlikely situations in the present or future: if + past simple, then would + base verb. For example: "If I had more money, I would buy a car" (I don't have it) or "If I won the lottery, I'd travel the world" (it's very unlikely). The if-clause uses a past form, but the meaning is present or future, not past. The second conditional also works for dreams, as in "If I could fly, I would visit every country", and for polite requests: "If you had a minute, would you help me?"
If I was or if I were: which is correct in the second conditional?
Both are correct: "were" is the standard form for all persons, and "was" is also possible with I, he, she and it in informal English. So "If I were rich, I would travel the world" is correct everywhere, and "If I was rich, I'd travel the world" is common in everyday speech. Use "were" in formal writing and exams, and in the set phrase "If I were you". With you, we and they, only "were" is possible: "If you were here, you'd understand".
Is it correct to say "If I would have more money, I would buy a car" in the second conditional?
No: in the second conditional, would belongs in the main clause, and the if-clause uses the past simple. Say "If I had more money, I would buy a car", not "If I would have more money, I would buy a car". Don't use a present form after if either: "If I have more money, I would buy a car" mixes two patterns. Keep the past simple after if and would + base verb in the result: "If she knew the answer, she would tell us".
Would, could or might in the second conditional: what's the difference?
Would shows the result you imagine, could shows an imagined ability or possibility, and might shows a result that is less certain. Compare "If I had a car, I would drive to work", "If you tried harder, you could succeed" and "If it were sunny, we might go to the beach". Could also works in the if-clause, as the past of can: "If I could speak Japanese, I would work in Tokyo", not "If I can speak Japanese, I would work in Tokyo".
"If I had more money, I will buy a car" or "I would buy a car": will or would in the second conditional?
Use would: "If I had more money, I would buy a car." A second conditional pairs the past simple after if with would in the main clause, so will doesn't fit. Will belongs to the first conditional, with a present tense after if: "If I have time, I will help you" (a real possibility). Keep the verb after would in the base form too: say "I would buy", not "I would bought". The short form is "I'd buy".
