Learn how to express hypothetical situations in the present. Master the structure and usage of the second conditional.
Video Lesson
The second conditional, also called "the unreal present", is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations in the present or future. It is often used to express dreams, wishes, or imaginary situations.
Remember: Use "were" instead of "was" for all subjects in the "if" clause!
To express the unreal present (condiotional type 2), use the follwoing structure:
If + Simple Past + Would/Could/Might + Verb (base form)
Alternatively, you can also structure it as:
Would/Could/Might + Verb + If + Simple Past
Examples:
If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world.
I would travel the world if I had a million dollars.
If I were you, I would study harder.
I would study harder If I were you.
Key Points:
Use were instead of was for all subjects (I, he, she, it, we, they) in the "if" clause.
The second conditional is used for situations that are unreal or unlikely to happen.
It can be used to give advice (e.g., "If I were you...").
Instruction: Complete the sentences with the correct verb form.
Remember the structure: If + Simple Past + Would/Could/Might + Verb (base form)