Second conditional

The second conditional: if + past simple, would + base verb. The past tense here does not mean past time — it shows that the situation is not real or unlikely, now or in the future.

The two clauses can swap places; when the if-clause comes first, we usually put a comma. 'd = would (I'd, she'd, we'd). Short answers: Would you move abroad if you could? — Yes, I would. / No, I wouldn't. In the main clause you can use could (= would be able to) or might (= would perhaps) instead of would; the if-clause can also use could (= if I were able to).

• If I had a car, I could drive you home.

  could = would be able to

• If we left now, we might catch the last train.

  might = would perhaps

• If I could live anywhere, I'd choose Da Lat.

💡Many languages don't change the verb in an imagined condition, so learners often keep the present: “If I have money, I would…”. Quick check: if the result has would, the if-clause moves back to the past (have → had, can → could, am/is → were).

1. A situation that is the opposite of the present — the truth is different

• If I knew her number, I'd call her.

  but I don't know it

• We would visit you more often if we didn't live so far away.

  but we live far away

2. Imagining the present or future — a “what if” that is unlikely or impossible

• What would you do if you lost your job tomorrow?

• If animals could talk, my cat would complain all day.

3. Advice: If I were you, I'd… — putting yourself in the other person's place

• If I were you, I'd talk to her before you decide.

• I wouldn't sign that contract if I were you.

4. Softer requests and permission — the past tense makes it gentler and more polite

• It would be great if you could send it by Friday.

• Would you mind if I opened the window?

With be, the if-clause uses were for every person: if I were, if she were, if it were. In speech, was with I / he / she / it is also very common and acceptable; were is more formal and the safe choice in writing and exams. In the advice phrase If I were you, people almost always say were.

• If she were here, she'd know what to do.

• If it was a bit cheaper, I'd buy it.

  informal; more formal: if it were

Two formal variants: if … were to + verb stresses that something is very unlikely; and inversion drops if: Were I… = If I were… (see the lesson “Inversion”).

• If the factory were to close, hundreds of people would lose their jobs.

  formal

• Were I in your position, I would accept the offer.

  very formal

Both talk about the present or future. The difference is how the speaker sees the situation: a real possibility → first conditional; only imagined, unlikely or contrary to fact → second conditional. See the lesson “Conditional sentences”.

• If I get the job, I'll buy a motorbike.

  a real possibility — I'm waiting for the result

• If I got the job, I'd buy a motorbike.

  I don't really expect to get it

• If it rains tomorrow, we'll stay at home.

  quite possible

• If it snowed in Ho Chi Minh City, everyone would go crazy.

  almost impossible

💡Don't mix the two patterns: if + present goes with will, if + past goes with would. “If I had wings, I will fly” and “If I have time, I would help” are both wrong.

• ✗If I would have more money, I would buy a laptop.

  ✓If I had more money, I would buy a laptop.

  The if-clause takes the past simple; would goes in the result.

• ✗If I had wings, I will fly to school.

  ✓If I had wings, I would fly to school.

  A past if-clause goes with would, not will.

• ✗If I am you, I would apologise.

  ✓If I were you, I'd apologise.

  Advice uses If I were you.

• ✗He's not good at English. If he speaks better, he would get the job.

  ✓He's not good at English. If he spoke better, he would get the job.

  Contrary to the present → the if-clause goes into the past.

• ✗If I knew her number, I would called her.

  ✓If I knew her number, I would call her.

  would + base verb.

• ✗What you would do if you won?

  ✓What would you do if you won?

  In a question, would comes before the subject.