Grammar: The Second Conditional
B1 Lesson 18: Hypothetical Situations
When to Use the Second Conditional
We use the Second Conditional for situations that are unreal, imaginary, or very unlikely in the present or future. Think of it as the "dreaming" conditional.
To talk about things you would do if your current reality were different.
Example: If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
To discuss the result of something that is not true now.
Example: If Siem Reap had a beach, we would go swimming.
A polite way to give your opinion, especially with "If I were you...".
Example: If I were you, I would see a doctor.
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Form the Second Conditional
Important: We use the Past Simple tense in the 'if' clause, but we are talking about an imaginary present or future, not the past.
| Clause | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If-Clause (Condition) | If + Subject + Past Simple Verb | If I won the lottery... |
| Main Clause (Result) | Subject + would + Base Verb | ...I would buy a new house. |
Special Note on 'be': For giving advice, it is grammatically correct to use were for all subjects (I, he, she, it). For example: "If he were here, he would help."
First vs. Second Conditional
Real vs. Unreal
| Conditional | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First | Real Future Possibility | If I have enough money, I will buy that shirt. (It's possible I have enough money.) |
| Second | Unreal / Imaginary Situation | If I had enough money, I would buy that car. (It's a dream; I don't have enough money.) |
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Complete the Sentences
Use the correct Second Conditional form of the verbs in brackets.
- If I (have) _____ more time, I (learn) _____ another language.
→ had, would learn - What _____ you _____ (do) if you (win) _____ the lottery?
→ would you do, won - If he (be) _____ here, he (know) _____ what to do.
→ were, would know - She (travel) _____ more if she (have) _____ a better job.
→ would travel, had - If I (be) _____ you, I (not / worry) _____ about it.
→ were, wouldn't worry
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
What Would You Do?
Answer these questions with your own ideas, using the Second Conditional.
- If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
- If you were the leader of your country for a day, what would you do?
- How would the world be different if everyone could speak all languages?
Key Vocabulary
- Second Conditional A sentence structure used for unreal or imaginary situations.
- Hypothetical Imagined or suggested but not necessarily real or true.
- Imaginary Existing only in the imagination; not real.
- Advice An opinion you give someone about what they should do.