Second conditional
Use the second conditional (if + past simple, would + verb) for situations that are imaginary, unlikely or untrue now or in the future. It is about the present, even though the verb looks past.
How it works
- Form: if + past simple, would/wouldn't + verb. If I had more time, I would learn the piano.
- The past form does not mean past time. It shows that the situation is not real.
- If I were you, I'd … gives advice. Were is used for every person in careful English; was is common in conversation.
- Could or might can replace would: If we left now, we might catch the train.
- Compare: If I win the scholarship, I'll go (possible) and If I won the lottery, I'd travel (unlikely).
- No would in the if-clause: If I had, not If I would have.
Switch the conditional
Answer the questions and watch the sentence change.
If it rained today, we would stay at home.
Second conditional: If + past simple, would + verb
Imagined: not true now, or unlikely in the future. The past tense here is not about the past.
Examples
If I had a car, I would drive to work.
If I were you, I'd ask for a pay rise.
What would you do if you lost your passport abroad?
If she spoke Japanese, she could apply for that job.
I wouldn't live in a big city if I didn't have to.
Common mistakes
Wrong: If I
would havemore money, I would buy a house.Right: If I had more money, I would buy a house.
Wrong: If I
amyou, I would talk to her.Right: If I were you, I would talk to her.
Wrong: If I knew his number, I
willcall him.Right: If I knew his number, I would call him.
Practice
1 of 14Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Clauses (conditional): if + past simple with would for imaginary present or future situations, including If I were you for advice, is a B1 point. Written for Gloss.