Second conditional

Use the second conditional for imaginary, unlikely or hypothetical present and future situations.

When do we use it?

Combine an if-clause in the past simple with would plus a base verb.

Form

Use if + past simple, would + base verb; were is common with all persons in formal hypothetical English.

• If I had more time, I would travel.
• What would you do if you won?

Key contrast

Read the whole context and identify the time, meaning, noun type or sentence structure before choosing.

Common mistakes

• If I would know, I would tell you. → If I knew, I would tell you.
• I would travelled. → I would travel.

Remember

Use the second conditional for imaginary, unlikely or hypothetical present and future situations.

Quick check

• Find the grammar clue.
• Check the subject and verb form.
• Confirm that the answer fits both structure and meaning.