Second conditional
Imagine unreal or unlikely situations: If I had more time, I’d learn the piano. If I were you, I’d…
In this lesson you will
- Form the second conditional
- Talk about imaginary present and unlikely future situations
- Give advice with If I were you
Learn
Form: If + past simple, would + verb: If I had* a car, I would drive to work.* The past form here doesn’t mean past time — it means unreal.
Use it for imaginary or unlikely situations: If I won the lottery, I’d travel the world. What would you do if you lost your phone?
were is often used for all persons, especially in formal English and in advice: If I were you, I’d apologise.
Compare: If I win the match, I’ll… (possible) vs If I won the lottery, I’d… (unlikely).
Examples
- If I lived near the sea, I’d swim every day.
- What would you do if you saw a celebrity?
- If I were you, I’d take the job.
- I wouldn’t worry if I were in your position.
Vocabulary
imaginary
not real
unlikely
probably won’t happen
win the lottery
win a lot of money in a game of chance
in your position
in your situation
celebrity
a famous person
Practice
Complete the sentence.
Speaking
Answer: What would you do if you had a free year? If you could live anywhere? If you were the leader of your country? Give reasons.
Writing
Write a paragraph (80–100 words): “If I could change one thing about my city…”
Lesson quiz
If I ___ taller, I’d play basketball.
Review
Key points
- If + past, would + verb.
- Imaginary or unlikely situations.
- If I were you, I’d… for advice.
What you learned
- ✓ I can use the second conditional.
- ✓ I can talk about imaginary situations.
- ✓ I can give advice with If I were you.
Grammar reference: Conditionals: zero, first, second and third