Ch 16
Second Conditional
If + past simple, would + base verb · imaginary situations
We use the second conditional for situations that are not real or very unlikely, and their imaginary result.
If + past simple, would + base verb
If I had more free time, I would learn the guitar.
I don't have more free time — it is imaginary.
If I won the lottery, I would travel round the world.
Very unlikely future.
If I lived by the sea…
I don't live by the sea (now).
If she knew the answer…
She doesn't know it (now).
If we had a car…
We don't have a car (now).
The past tense makes the situation feel “far away” from reality. The time is now or the future.
If I were you, I would…
If I were you, I would take a jacket.
were for all persons
If she were taller, she would play basketball. (was is common in speech)
Questions
What would you do if you found a wallet in the street?
could / might
If I had a ticket, I could come with you. / I might say yes.
First: possible
If it rains tomorrow, we will stay in. (it might rain)
Second: imaginary
If it snowed in August, I would be amazed. (it won't)
First
If I see Ana, I'll tell her. (I may see her)
Second
If I saw a ghost, I'd scream. (I don't expect to)
Ask: do I think this can really happen? Yes → first conditional. No / hardly → second.
If I would have more money, I would buy a bike.
→
If I had more money, I would buy a bike.
never would in the if-clause
If I won the lottery, I will buy a house.
→
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
past in the if-clause → would in the result
If I am you, I would apologise.
→
If I were you, I would apologise.
advice: If I were you
If she knew, she would to tell us.
→
If she knew, she would tell us.
would + base verb, no to
Imagine and answer with would.
1
What would you do if you won a lot of money?
2
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
3
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
4
Your teacher tells you a problem. Give advice: If I were you, I would…
Recap
Form
If + past simple, would + base verb
If I had time, I would help.
Meaning
imaginary or very unlikely — now / future
If I lived in Paris…
Advice
If I were you, I would…
If I were you, I'd rest.
Never
would in the if-clause
If I had (NOT would have)