If-Clauses in English Grammar: Second Conditional

The second conditional, also known as type II if-clause, is used to imagine that the present is different to how it really is. It is also known as the unreal conditional because it refers to unlikely or imaginary possibilities.

Construction

Rule 1: To form the second conditional, we use a past tense for the if-clause, and would + infinitive for the main clause. If and would never appear in the same clause.

Note: We can reverse the order of the clauses with no change in meaning. But, if the if-clause comes first, it should be separated by a comma. If the main clause is first, we don't need a comma.

Rule 2: We can use the modal verbs could (to introduce the idea of ability) and might (to express a possibility) instead of would. We do not use should in the second conditional.

Usage

Rule 3: We can use the second conditional for giving advice.

Rule 4: We can use the second conditional to ask hypothetical questions.

Rule 5: We can use the second conditional to imagine life as different.

Rule 6: We can use the second conditional for making excuses.

If I Was You Vs. If I Were You

Rule 7: We can use were instead of was with the I, he, she and it forms when we use the verb be in the second conditional. Although the meaning doesn't change, were is sometimes considered more formal than was.