Second Conditional
Second Conditional When we use it
We talk about imaginary, unlikely or unreal situations in the present / future and their possible results.
Second Conditional Form
| if-part (Conditional) |
main part Result |
| if + subject + Past Simple | subject + would + V1 |
If + subject + Past Simple, subject + would + V.
Subject + would + V + if + subject + Past Simple.
If it rained, I would stay at home.
Second Conditional Rule
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Clause order does not change the meaning
If the weather didn’t improve, we would stay at home.We would stay at home if the weather didn’t improve.
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If the if‑clause comes first, put a comma after it
If you studied, you would pass.You would pass if you studied.
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Use were instead of was with I / he / she / it in unreal conditionals
If I were you, I would change jobs.If he were taller, he would play basketball professionally.If she were more patient, she would enjoy teaching.If it were warmer today, we would go for a walk.
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You can use modals instead of would: could, might, should
If you studied more, you could pass the exam.If we left now, we might arrive earlier.If you felt tired, you should rest.
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The conjunction unless = if not
We wouldn’t go unless it were necessary.
Second Conditional Negation
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In the if‑clause: Past Simple + didn’t + V
If he didn't call, I would stay at home.
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In the main clause: wouldn't + V or a negative modal
If it rained, we wouldn't go outside.If you tried more, you might not fail.
Second Conditional Questions
A question is built like a normal question with would; the subordinate part with if remains.
Would + subject + V1 + if + Past Simple?
Wh-word + would + subject + V1 + if + Past Simple?
What would you do if the app crashed?
Where would you live if you moved abroad?
Who would you invite if you organized a party?
Why would she be upset if you didn't write?
How would you feel if you lost your phone?
Second Conditional Common mistakes
❌ If it will rain, we would cancel.
✅ If it rained, we would cancel.
❌ I wouldn't come if he won't call.
✅ I wouldn't come if he didn't call.
❌ Would in the if-clause: If he would call, …
✅ Past Simple in the if-clause: If he called, …
Second Conditional Sentences
If you studied more, you would feel more confident.
If I had more free time, I would start a new project.
If she lived closer, we would meet more often.
If they knew the answer, they would tell us.
If tomorrow were a day off, we would go to the countryside.
If he worked harder, he would get a promotion.
If you lived here, you would save time on commuting.
If we had a car, we would leave earlier.
If I knew about it earlier, I would prepare.
If they were free today, they would come to us.
Second Conditional Examples
If I had more money, I would travel around the world.
If she knew his number, she would call him.
If the weather were better, we would have a picnic.
If you didn't eat so much sugar, you would feel healthier.
If they shared the data, we could finish faster.
If he were more organized, he wouldn't miss deadlines.
If you helped me, I would finish this today.
If the app loaded faster, more users would stay.
If I didn't have to work late, I would join you.
If you were more careful, you wouldn't make so many mistakes.