What is Conditional Type 2?
The Second Conditional is used to talk about imaginary or unreal situations in the present or future. It describes something that is not true now or unlikely to happen in the future. In short, it’s about dreams, wishes, imaginary situations, or things that are not real.
Structure
If + Past Simple, would + base verb
Example Sentences
| Condition (If…) | Result (Then…) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| If I won the lottery, | I would travel the world. | Imaginary situation (not real) |
| If she studied harder, | she would get better grades. | Not true now, but possible in another reality |
| If we had a bigger house, | we would be happier. | Unreal situation in the present |
| If he were rich, | he would buy a car. | Hypothetical situation |
| If I were you, | I would apologize. | Giving advice (imaginary situation) |
Important Notes
1. The “if” part uses the Past Simple
❌ Not: If I will win the lottery, I would travel.
✅ Correct: If I won the lottery, I would travel.
2. The result part uses “would” + base verb
Example: If I studied more, I would pass the exam.
3. You can change the order
– If I had more time, I would learn Spanish.
– I would learn Spanish if I had more time. (No comma when the “if” clause comes second.)
4. Use “were” for all subjects in formal or written English
If I were you, I would talk to the teacher. (Do not say “If I was you”.)
5. The situation is unreal or imaginary, not real or likely.
When Do We Use the Second Conditional?
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Unreal or imaginary situations | If I were invisible, I would travel anywhere. |
| Dreams and wishes | If I had a million dollars, I would buy a house. |
| Giving advice | If I were you, I would call him. |
| Talking about unlikely events | If it snowed in summer, I would be surprised. |
Practice Time
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
If it ______ (not rain), we ______ (go) to the park.
If I ______ (be) you, I ______ (talk) to her.
If we ______ (have) more money, we ______ (go) on vacation.
If she ______ (study) harder, she ______ (get) better grades.
If they ______ (live) in Paris, they ______ (speak) French every day.
Summary
| Part | Example | Tense |
|---|---|---|
| If-clause | If I had a car | Past Simple |
| Main clause | I would drive to work | Would + base verb |
| Meaning | Imaginary or unreal situation | Not true now or unlikely to happen |
3 Comments
1/ If it didn’t rain, we would go to the park.
2/ If i were you, i would talk to her.
3/ If we had more money, we would go on vacation.
4/ If she studied harder, she would get better grades.
5/ If they lived in Paris, they would speak French every day.
Excellent 10/10
1) If it didn’t rain, we would go to the park.
2) If i were you, i would talk to her.
3) If we had more money, we would go on vacation.
4) If she studied harder, she would get better grades.
5) If they lived in Paris, they would speak French every day.