Second Conditional
Intermediate (B1)en
Second conditional
Second Conditional – Unreal or Imaginary Situations
In this lesson, you will learn how to use the second conditional to talk about imaginary, unreal, or unlikely situations in the present or future.
1. What Is the Second Conditional?
The second conditional is used to talk about:
- Imaginary or unreal situations
- Situations that are unlikely or not true now
Key idea:
If clause (past simple) + main clause (would + base verb)
(If this were true, that would happen)
If clause (past simple) + main clause (would + base verb)
(If this were true, that would happen)
Important:
Even though the verb is in the past form, the meaning is present or future, not past.
Even though the verb is in the past form, the meaning is present or future, not past.
2. Structure of the Second Conditional
If + subject + past simple, subject + would + base verb
Examples:
- “If I had more free time, I would travel more.”
- “If she lived closer, we would meet more often.”
Note:
The past simple here shows that the situation is not real now.
The past simple here shows that the situation is not real now.
3. Common Uses of the Second Conditional
A. Unreal or Imaginary Present Situations
Used when the situation is not true now.
Examples:
- “If I had a car, I would drive to work.” (But I don’t have a car.)
- “If he spoke French, he would work in Paris.” (But he doesn’t speak French.)
B. Unlikely or Dream Situations
Used for wishes, dreams, or unlikely events.
Examples:
- “If I won the lottery, I would buy a house by the sea.”
- “If she became famous, she would travel the world.”
C. Giving Advice Politely
Often used to give gentle or indirect advice.
Examples:
- “If I were you, I would talk to the teacher.”
- “If I were him, I wouldn’t quit the job.”
4. First Conditional vs Second Conditional
First Conditional
Time: Real future
Use: Possible situations
Structure: If clause (present simple) + main clause (will + base verb)
(If this happens, that will happen)
Use: Possible situations
Structure: If clause (present simple) + main clause (will + base verb)
(If this happens, that will happen)
Example:
- “If I have time tonight, I will call you.”
Second Conditional
Time: Unreal present or unlikely future
Use: Imaginary or hypothetical situations
Structure: If clause (past simple) + main clause (would + base verb)
(If this were true, that would happen)
Use: Imaginary or hypothetical situations
Structure: If clause (past simple) + main clause (would + base verb)
(If this were true, that would happen)
Example:
- “If I had time tonight, I would call you.”
5. “Was” vs “Were” in the Second Conditional
In the second conditional, were is often used instead of was, especially with I and he / she / it.
Examples:
- “If I were rich, I would help my family.”
- “If she were more confident, she would speak more in class.”
6. Easy Way to Remember
First Conditional:
If this happens → that will happen (real possibility)
If this happens → that will happen (real possibility)
Second Conditional:
If this were true → that would happen (imaginary or unlikely)
If this were true → that would happen (imaginary or unlikely)
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic