Second conditional

The Second Conditional is used to talk about 'impossible' situations

If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park.
If I had millions dollars, I'd give a lot to charity.
If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.
If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease.


Note 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 she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one.
If I lived in Japan, I'd have sushi every day.
If they were to enter our market, we'd have big problems.


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


  If I were you, I'd look for a new place to live.
  If I were you, I'd go back to school and get more qualifications.

The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

 If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall.
 If I was the President, I'd reduce taxes.
 If you were in my position, you'd understand.


Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. Compare these examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.


 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.


Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.
 If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.
 If she were coming, she would be here by now.
If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.


Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.
 If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.
 If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.
 If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.


Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.
What would I do without you? ("if you weren't here")
Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I wanted one")
He wouldn't agree. ("if I asked him")

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Grammar Test Results

You correctly answered 40 of 40 questions. Your level is approximately Advanced.

(GOD, I HAVE BEEN STUDYING ENGLISH FOR AGES AND MY LEVEL IS APPROX. ADVANCED?????????)

Correct Answers

1. I come from England.
2. There aren't many people here.
3. Tim isn't going to work tomorrow.
4. I'd like some information, please.
5. Did you walk to school yesterday?
6. I went to the shop to buy some chocolate.
7. 'I don't like coffee.' ' Neither do I.'
8. 'Have you visited London?' ' Not yet .'
9. Is Jo as tall as Chris?
10. You should do your homework.
11. 'Where's the nearest post office, please?'
12. Would you mind closing the window?
13. He's interested in learning Spanish.
14. How long have you been learning English?
15. His office is on the second floor of the building.
16. The doctor gave me a prescription for some medicine yesterday.
17. Can you tell me when the train leaves ?
18. I expect a reply to my letter in the next few days.
19. When Simon comes back tonight, he'll cook dinner.
20. We arrived in England two days ago.
21. 'Why are you so hungry?' 'Oh, I didn't have breakfast this morning.'
22. You had better see a doctor.
23. You should take up swimming.
24. 'Did you speak to Juliet?' 'No, I've hardly seen her.
25. He told me that he had been working in Spain the previous year.
26. She looks as if she's going to be sick.
27. The best way to learn a language is by speaking a little every day.
28. She told me to go to school.
29. I want to be a teacher when I grow up .
30. I'm fed up with doing this exercise.
31. It is ages since I saw my brother.
32. She has been accused of murdering her husband.
33. You aren't allowed to use your mobile so there's no point in leaving it on .
34. You needn't have done the cleaning. I would have done it tonight.
35. They have put speed bumps on the road to prevent accidents.
36. We would never have had the accident if you hadn't been driving so fast.
37. The tree was struck by lightning.
38. If only I were richer.
39. Despite being the better team, we lost the match.
40. By this time next year, I will have taken all my exams.