Second Conditional

We use the second conditional to talk about a future situation that is unlikely to happen and to give advice.

The verb in the if-clause is in the past tense; the verb in the main clause is in the conditional tense:

• If someone stole my bag, I would immediately contact the police. (But I don't think that anyone will try to steal the bag. The meaning here is future.)

We use the second conditional to talk about a future situation that is unlikely to happen and to give advice.

The verb in the if-clause is in the past tense; the verb in the main clause is in the conditional tense:

• If someone stole my bag, I would immediately contact the police. (But I don't think that anyone will try to steal the bag. The meaning here is future.)

• If I had money, I would bid on this auction. (But I don't have the money. The meaning here is present)

Note: There is no difference between the first and second conditionals as far as time is concerned. The first conditional, like the second conditional refers to the present or future. The past tense in the if-clause is not a true past but a subjunctive, which indicates improbability or unreality.

Use

1. When the supposition is contrary to known facts

"If I lived in New York, I wouldn't have to commute there each day." (But I don't live in New York.)

"If I were you, I would plant some trees in your garden." (But I'm not you.)

2. When we don't expect the action in the if-clause to happen:

"If I saw a zombie, I would run as fast as I could." (But I don't expect to see a zombie.)

"If I bought a car like this, everyone would admire me." (But I don't intend to buy the car.)

Possible variations of the basic form

Variations of the main clause might or could may be used instead of would:

• If you tried again, you would succeed. (certain result)
• If you tried again, you might succeed. (possible result)
• If I knew her number, I could ring her up. (ability)
• If he had a permit, he could get a job. (ability or permission)

The continuous conditional form may be used instead of the simple:

• Peter is on holiday; he is touring Italy. ~ "If I were on holiday I would/might be touring Italy too."