📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Intermediate (B1), week 6
We use the second conditional for situations that are imaginary, unlikely or not true now: If I had more time, I'd study more. 'If I were you' is a very common way to give advice.
The rules
Form
| If clause | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|
| if + past simple | would ('d) + verb | If I lived closer, I'd walk to work. |
| if + were | would + verb | If I were you, I'd talk to the teacher. |
| if + past simple | could / might + verb | If we had a car, we could visit more often. |
Remember
- First vs second: If it rains (possible) vs If I won the lottery (unlikely).
- With 'be', use 'were' for all people in careful English: If she were here… ('was' is common in speech).
- Don't use 'would' in the if-clause: If I had (not 'If I would have').
Listen and repeat
- If I were you, I'd ask the school for an interpreter.
- If my kids spoke more English at home, they'd find school easier.
- What would you do if you lost your job?
- If we had more space, we'd invite my parents to stay.
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| If I had time, I would help. | if + past simple. | |
| If I were you, I'd go. | If I were you. | |
| I would buy a house if I had money. | would, not will. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use Second conditional in English?
We use the second conditional for situations that are imaginary, unlikely or not true now: If I had more time, I'd study more. 'If I were you' is a very common way to give advice. First vs second: If it rains (possible) vs If I won the lottery (unlikely).
What are common mistakes with Second conditional?
Say 'If I had time, I would help.', not 'If I would have time, I would help.' (if + past simple). Say 'If I were you, I'd go.', not 'If I am you, I'd go.' (If I were you). Say 'I would buy a house if I had money.', not 'I will buy a house if I had money.' (would, not will).
What level is this Second conditional lesson?
It's a Intermediate (B1) lesson, week 6 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.