Second Conditional

Second Conditional

1. The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive:

   • if + past simple, ...would + infinitive

2. (We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal writing).

3. It has two uses.

   • First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true.
     • If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.
     • She would travel all over the world if she were rich.
   • Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible, because it's not true. Is that clear? Have a look at the examples:
     • If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's impossible for me to call him).
     • If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that man.