How to use the Second Conditional
The second conditional is English's imagination tense, used to explore hypothetical situations, unreal conditions, and dreams that are unlikely or impossible in reality. Unlike the first conditional which deals with probable futures, the second conditional lets you discuss alternative realities, express wishes, and explore what might happen in imaginary circumstances.
Formed with if + past simple followed by would + base verb, this conditional creates a psychological distance from reality, making it perfect for discussing unlikely scenarios, polite requests, giving advice about imaginary situations, and expressing dreams or regrets. The past tense doesn't refer to past time but signals that the situation is unreal or distant from current reality.
What makes the second conditional uniquely powerful is its ability to let you think beyond current limitations and explore possibilities without commitment. Whether you're daydreaming about winning the lottery, giving advice about unlikely scenarios, making polite suggestions, or discussing alternative life paths, this conditional opens doors to creative and speculative thinking.
Mastering the second conditional enhances your ability to express imagination, show politeness, discuss hypothetical advice, and engage in the kind of speculative conversations that make English both practical and creative.
Formation
Structure
If + past simple, would + base verb
Past simple creates distance from reality; would indicates the unreal result
Standard Form:
- If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
- If she lived closer, we would see her more often.
- If it was summer, we would go swimming.
- If I had more time, I would learn to paint.
Reversed Order:
- I would travel the world if I won the lottery.
- We would see her more often if she lived closer.
- We would go swimming if it was summer.
- I would learn to paint if I had more time.
Special Notes
'Were' for all persons:
- If I were rich... (formal)
- If I was rich... (informal)
- If he were here... (formal)
- If she were taller... (formal)
Modal alternatives:
- If I had money, I could buy it.
- If she asked, I might help her.
- If we tried harder, we should succeed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ "If I would have money, I would buy a car."
✓ "If I had money, I would buy a car."
Don't use 'would' in the if-clause - use past simple
✗ "If she comes tomorrow, I would be happy."
✓ "If she came tomorrow, I would be happy."
Use past simple in the condition for second conditional
✗ "If I was rich, I will travel the world."
✓ "If I was rich, I would travel the world."
Don't mix second conditional with 'will' - use 'would'
✗ "If I have time, I would help you."
✓ "If I had time, I would help you."
Use past simple (had), not present simple (have) for unreal conditions
Degrees of Politeness
Direct (less polite):
"Can you help me?"
More polite:
"Could you help me?"
Very polite:
"Would you be able to help me?"
Extremely polite:
"If you had a moment, would you be able to help me?"
Useful Expressions
Starting wishes:
- If only I could speak Spanish...
- If I could change one thing...
- If it were possible to...
- If I had the choice...
Giving advice:
- If I were you, I would...
- If you asked me, I'd suggest...
- If you wanted my opinion...
- If you don't mind me saying...
Would vs Could vs Might
Would (most certain):
"If I won the lottery, I would buy a house." (definite intention)
Could (ability/possibility):
"If I won the lottery, I could buy a house." (would have the ability to)
Might (less certain):
"If I won the lottery, I might buy a house." (one possibility among others)
Quick Reference Guide
Remember:
- Formation: If + past simple, would + base verb
- Purpose: Unreal, hypothetical, and unlikely situations
- Probability: Less than 50% - unlikely or impossible
- Time: Usually present or future (despite past tense form)
- Politeness: Creates distance, making requests more polite
- Were vs was: 'Were' is formal; 'was' is informal with I/he/she/it
- No would in if-clause: Never use 'would' after 'if'
- Alternative modals: Could, might, should instead of would