The Second Conditional

The 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. First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example.

   • Example:If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.

4. Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible, because it's not true.

   • Example: If I had his number, I would call him.