If Clause Type 2

Second Conditional


Introduction

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The second conditional (also called conditional type 2) is a structure used for talking about unreal situations in the present or in the future. This page will explain how the second conditional is formed, and when to use it.
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The structure of a second conditional sentence
Like a first conditional, a second conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an "if" clause and a main clause:

if clause main clause
If I had a million dollars,  I would buy a big house.

If the "if" clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the "if" clause comes second, there is no need for a comma:


main clause if clause
I would buy a big house  if I had a million dollars.

We use different verb forms in each part of a second conditional:


if clause if + subject + simple past verb*
main clause subject + would + verb

*Note that this "simple past" form is slightly different from usual in the case of the verb BE. Whatever the subject, the verb form is "were", not "was": If I were rich, I'd buy a big house.


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Using the second conditional
The second conditional is used to talk about things which are unreal (not true or not possible) in the present or the future -- things which don't or won't happen:

Example Explanation
If I were you, I would drive more carefully in the rain. I am not you -- this is unreal.
Paula would be sad if Jan left. Jan will not leave -- that's not going to happen.
If dogs had wings, they would be able to fly. Dogs don't have wings -- that's impossible.