Second Conditional

The second conditional explores improbable present or future scenarios. It asks, “What if things were different?” like a thought experiment.

First vs Second Conditional

We use the first conditional to talk about possible future situations and we use the second conditional to talk about hypothetical or imaginary future situations.

Imagine saying "if X happened, then something might/could/would happen." That’s basically how second conditionals work:

• A Past tense if clause
• A subject + would/could/might + infinitive to show what might happen.

If I had wings, I would fly to the moon.
   ^condition   ^result
 
If you spoke English, you could get a better job.
   ^condition         ^result
 
If it weren't for his help, I might be dead now.
   ^condition               ^result
 
I'd never tell anyone if you told me your secret.
^result                  ^condition
 
Would you help me if I asked you nicely?
^result              ^condition

Tip

In the second conditional, “if I were” (formal) replaces “if I was” (informal). However, advice using “if I were you” always requires "were," not "was."

• If I were/was fit, I would run a marathon. ✅
• I wouldn’t pay any attention to what he says if I were you. ✅
• I wouldn’t pay any attention to what he says if was you. ❌

References

• Second conditional - Test-English