The second conditional is used to talk about unreal, hypothetical, or
imaginary situations in the present or future, and their possible outcomes.
It often expresses ideas that are unlikely or impossible.
Structure of the Second Conditional
1. If-clause: Uses the past simple tense to describe the hypothetical situation.
2. Main clause: Uses would + base verb to describe the result of that situation.
Formula: If + subject + past simple, subject + would + base verb
When to Use the Second Conditional
1. Unreal Situations in the Present:
a. Example: If I were taller, I would play basketball. (I’m not taller, so this is
an imaginary situation.)
2. Hypothetical Situations in the Future:
a. Example: If she won the lottery, she would buy a new house. (This is a
hypothetical situation because it’s unlikely to happen.)
3. Dreams, Imaginations, or Advice:
a. Example: If you studied more, you would pass the exam. (This is
hypothetical advice.)
Examples of the Second Conditional
1. If I had more free time, I would travel the world.
2. If he were the president, he would change the law.
3. If we knew her address, we would visit her.
4. If they didn't spend so much money, they would save a lot.
5. If she were here, she would help us.
Special Notes
1. Use of “Were” with All Subjects:
a. In the second conditional, were is often used instead of was with the
pronoun “I”, “he”, “she”, and “it” to maintain a formal or hypothetical
tone:
i. Example: If I were you, I would apologize.
However, in informal settings, you may also hear “was”:
b. Example: If I was rich, I would buy a mansion. (Informal)
2. Negative Forms:
a. Example: If he didn't leave so late, he wouldn't miss the bus.
3. Could or Might Instead of Would:
a. To express possibility or ability, you can use could or might:
i. Example: If she practiced more, she could become a
professional dancer.
Common Uses
• Talking about hypothetical outcomes: If I won the competition, I would be so
happy.
• Giving advice: If I were you, I would take the job offer.
• Expressing wishes or regrets: If we had enough money, we would buy a bigger
house.
• If I were you, I would take that job opportunity. (This is hypothetical advice, as I
cannot literally be you.)
Exercise 1: Use the correct form of the verbs in parentheses to complete the
sentences:
1. If I ______ (win) the lottery, I ______ (travel) the world.
2. She ______ (be) healthier if she ______ (eat) more vegetables.
3. If we ______ (have) more time, we ______ (visit) the museum.
4. They ______ (help) you if you ______ (ask) them politely.
5. If he ______ (study) harder, he ______ (pass) the exam.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the second conditional:
1. She doesn’t speak French, so she can’t move to France. Rewrite: If she ______,
she ______.
2. I don’t have enough money, so I can’t buy a new car. Rewrite: If I ______, I ______.
3. He doesn’t know how to swim, so he can’t go to the beach. Rewrite: If he ______,
he ______.
Exercise 3: Create second conditional sentences based on the prompts below:
1. (You / win the lottery / what / do?) Example: If you won the lottery, what would
you do?
2. (She / have more time / learn / new language)
3. (They / not be / so stressed / they / take a vacation)
Exercise 4: Match the first half of the sentence with the correct second half:
First Half Second Half
1. If I worked in the city, A. I would take you to a concert.
2. If they studied harder, B. they would get better grades.
3. If I had more money, C. I would save on travel costs.
4. If I were a musician, D. I would buy a bigger house.
