When to use the second conditional:
1) Dreams
We use the second conditional to describe fantasies, imaginary situations, and dreams.
Examples:
- If I lived by the beach, I would be very tan.
(This means that I do not live by the beach)
- If I married a famous actor, I would live in Hollywood. (That means that my husband is not a famous actor)
2) Unreal Situations
We use the second conditional to describe situations which are impossible or unrealistic.
Examples:
- If I was a superhero, I would fly and wear a cape.
- If gravity didn’t exist, I would sleep on a cloud.
3) Extremely Improbable Situations
We use the second conditional to describe situations which, in theory, are possible, but are very unlikely.
Examples:
- If I won the lottery, I would move to a private island.
- If the nation elected my father for president, he would change a lot of things.
4) Alternate Realities
We use the second conditional for situations which are possible and realistic but which are not the reality.
Examples:
- If I was in Los Angeles right now, I would get a tattoo. This is completely possible and realistic.
(It is simply not the case right now, because I’m in Hong Kong)
- If he studied, he would do well in school.
(He can study, but he doesn’t)
- If it were raining, we would bring our umbrellas with us. It rains here.
(It’s not raining at the moment)
FORM:
If + Subject + Simple Past / Past Continuous + Subject + Would + Infinitive
or
Subject + Would + Infinitive + If + Subject + Simple Past / Past Continuous
Notes:
- It is important to know that we are talking about the present or the future. Even though we use the past conjugations, we are not talking about the past.
- It is possible to use either “If I was” or “If I were”. Both are correct.
- We often use the phrases “If I were you” or “If I were in your shoes” to give advice.
- The phrase “in your shoes” is an idiom, meaning in your situation.
Examples:
- If I were you, I would call him.
- If I were Katie, I would accept that job.
- What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Let’s practice!
Make sentences using the words provided.
Ex: If / I / be / superhero / I / fly
If I were a superhero, I would fly.
1.) If / Mary / can / choose to live in any city in the world / she / live in Chicago.
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2.) I quit smoking / if / I / be / in your shoes.
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3.) If / Alex / move to Brighton / his mother / be happier.
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4.) If / we / speak / French / we / not get lost in Paris.
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5.) If / the Internet / not exist / this conversation / be impossible.
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