Second Conditional

We can use the Second Conditional to talk about 'impossible' situations.

• If I had one million dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.
  
• If there were no more hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.
  
• If we were in New York today, we would be able to go to the free Elton John concert in Central Park.
  

Notice that after I / he/ she /it we
often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'. (Some people think
that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other people think 'was' is
equally 'correct' .)

• If I were in Tokyo, I'd have sushi every day.
  
• If she were really happy in her job, she'd be working much harder.
  
• If IBM were to enter our market, we would have big problems.
  

Notice the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.

• If I were you, I'd change my job.
  
• If I were you, I'd sign up for Pearson's fantastic English lessons.
  

We can also use the Second Conditional to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

• If I won the lottery, I'd buy my parents a big house.
  
• If I went to the moon, I'd bring back some moon rock.
  
• If you met him, you'd really like him.
  

Notice that the choice between the
first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's
attitude rather than of facts. For example, consider two people Peter
Pessimist and Otto Optimist.

• Otto – If I win the lottery, I'll buy a big house.
  
• Peter – If I won the lottery, I'd buy a big house.
  
• Otto – If I get promoted, I'll throw a big party.
  
• Peter – If I got promoted, I'd throw a big party.
  
• Otto – If my team win the Cup, I'll buy champagne for everybody.
  
• Peter – If my team won the Cup, I'd buy champagne for everybody.
  

Notice that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

• If I was still living in Brighton, I would commute by train.
  
• If they were thinking of coming, they would let us know.
  
• If she were coming, she would be here by now.
  

Notice that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.

• If I met him again, I wouldn't recognize him.
  
• If we met up for lunch one day, I could take you to that new restaurant.
  
• If I spoke to him directly, we might be able to reach an agreement.
  

Also notice that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

• What would I do without you? ("if you stopped working here")
  
• Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I went looking for one")
  
• He wouldn't agree. ("if we asked him")