Second Conditional use
We talk about imaginary, unlikely, or unreal situations in the present or 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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The order of the parts doesn’t matter.
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 conditional part comes first, we put a comma after it.
If you studied, you would pass.You would pass if you studied.
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we use were instead of was with I / he / she / it in conditional clauses
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 modal verbs 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 conditional 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 the negation of a modal verb
If it rained, we wouldn't go outside.
If you tried more, you might not fail.
Second Conditional Questions
The question is formed like a regular question with would, only the clause 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 в if-части: If he would call, …
✅ Past Simple в if-части: 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, 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.