Form the second conditional with if plus the past simple, followed by would plus the base verb, as in if I had more money, I would travel more, to talk about unreal, hypothetical, or imaginary situations in the present or future. With the verb be, use were for every subject after if.
Grammar Rule
The second conditional describes unreal or unlikely situations and their imagined results; use were with be for every subject.
Second Conditional: Rules and Examples
| Clause | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If clause | if + past simple | If I had more money… If she studied harder… |
| Result clause | would + base verb | …I would travel more. …she would pass the exam. |
| be (all subjects) | if + were | If I were you, I would apologize. |
Remember: if + past simple, would + base verb, for unreal or hypothetical present and future situations.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct second conditional sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Second Conditional
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the second conditional?
Use if plus the past simple, followed by would plus the base verb, as in if I had more money, I would travel more.
When do you use the second conditional?
Use it for unreal, hypothetical, or unlikely situations in the present or future, as in if she studied harder, she would pass the exam.
What form of be do you use after if in the second conditional?
Use were for every subject, as in if I were you, I would apologize.
Is the second conditional used for real, likely situations?
No, it is used for situations the speaker considers unreal or unlikely, unlike the first conditional, which is for real possibilities.