The second conditional
If I had enough money, I'd buy that diamond necklace.
Definition
The second conditional refers to events that are not likely to happen in the future or to conditions that are not possible in the present.
Construction
| Construction | Time reference | Example |
| 1. 'if' + past, + 'would/could' + bare infinitive
2. 'if' + 'were to' + infinitive, + would/could + bare infinitive | 1. future condition + future result
2. present condition + present result
3. present condition + future result | If I won the lottery, I would buy that car.
If I were rich, I could buy that car.
If I were rich, I would buy that car.
If I were to win the lottery, I would buy that car.
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Note that
- Continuous tenses are also possible.
If I weren't working today, I'd be enjoying the sunshine.
- As with all conditionals the 'if' clause can come first or second. When it comes first, it is followed by a comma.
Uses
Second conditional sentences have several uses. Here are some examples:
| Use | Examples |
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| Hypothesis |
| If I lost my job, it would be hard to find another one. This is a hypothetical situation and the speaker has no reason to be concerned. Contrast this with a first conditional sentence: 'If I lose my job, it will be hard to find another one.' In this case the speaker feels that there is a real risk that he will lose his job.
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Contingency |
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What would you do if you had to choose another career? |
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Suggesting |
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I think it would be better if we sent a small sample to the customers.
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Advising |
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If I were you, I'd apply for a promotion. |
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Criticism |
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If this were my office, I'd tidy it up. |
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Polite request | |
Would it be all right, if I brought a friend with me?
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Alternatives to 'if' + past tense
The conditional clause can use 'were' or 'had' as alternatives to an 'if' clause. Examples 'If' clause 'Were'/'Had' Clause If the building fell down, ... If you were to win the lottery, ... ...if it wasn't raining. If he were her father, ... If I had the time... ...if I hadn't got a broken arm. Were the building to fall down... Were you to win the lottery... ...were it not raining Were he her father... Had I the time, ... ...had I not got a broken arm.
Choice of modal verb
'Would' is most commonly used in second conditional sentences but 'could' and 'should' are also possible.
'Should' is used as an alternative for 'would' and has no other meaning. The use of 'should' is rather formal. It is more likely to be heard in British than American English.
I should be delighted if you came to my party.
'Could' is used to express ability. It is an alternative to 'would be able to'.
I could help you mend the fence if I didn't have a broken arm.
Further examples
Unlikely future
If you were to win the lottery, what would you buy first?
If I left home, I could live with my friends.
If I weren't so busy at work, I should have more time for sport.
If I got the promotion, I would give everyone a pay rise.
If you had to change jobs, would you like to be an actor?
Impossible present
If I were rich, I would buy a big house.
If I didn't have a broken arm, I would help you.
If you were the boss, how would you do it?
If it were raining, we couldn't have this party outside.
If I had better qualifications, I could apply for the promotion.
Formality
Whilst it is considered grammatically correct to use 'were' for all forms of 'be' in conditional sentences, in spoken English you will often hear 'was' for I, he, she and it.
If I was rich, I would buy a boat.
If he wasn't so busy, he could have a holiday.
We'd go to the park, if it wasn't raining.
In written English and certainly for any test situation, use 'were' for all forms of 'be'
Example
Susan: What would you do if you won the lottery?
Patty: I'd give up work, buy a boat, hire a crew and travel round the world; there are so many places I'd love to see.
Paige: Would you? I wouldn't. With some capital, I'd leave my job and open my own studio - imagine being able to do something you love all day.
Susan: Yes, that'd be great. How about you, Jane?
Jane: Oh, I don't know. I'd certainly get a bigger house and a car, have holidays on Patty's boat...
Paige: Yes, Patty, could we come and visit you on your boat?
Patty: Yes, yes, you could all come; my boat would be the biggest you've ever seen. And you Susan, what would you do?
Susan: Not too keen on a boat - I get sea sick. I'd fly to the nearest port to visit you though. But what I'd really love to do is...