Second Conditional - More Forms

We use second conditional sentences to express improbable, hypothetical (imaginary), or impossible situations. Here are more forms of the second conditional.

In these example sentences, the if-clause has a negation (the use of not).

• If I didn’t live in Florida, I would live in California.

• If I didn’t have my smartphone, I would feel bored. 

• If you didn’t own two cars, you would have more money.

• If my husband weren’t sick, we would visit you today.

In these sentences, the result clause has a negation.

• If I were you, I wouldn’t drink that coffee.

• If I were you, I wouldn’t sign that contract.

• If I had a car, I wouldn’t take the bus.

• If she had more money, she wouldn’t live here.

We can use the form were + present participle in the if-clause. This form emphasizes the action happening over a period of time.

• If Jen were helping us, we would finish the project on time.

• If Dr. Morris were teaching us, we would learn the concepts more quickly.

• If Carla were singing, people would enjoy the song more.

• If you were standing next to me, you would eventually see it.

We can use the form would be + present participle in the result clause. This form also emphasizes the action happening over a period of time.

• If I went to Miami tonight, I would be lying on the beach the next morning.

• If it weren’t for Zak, I would be moving back home on Friday.

• If she bought a bike, she would be riding it for hours the same day.

• If I didn’t have this degree, I wouldn’t be going to this amazing science conference next week.

Here are some yes/no questions with the second conditional.

• If they offered you that job, would you move to California?

• If we paid for his flight, would he come?

• If you had to work a 14-hour shift, would you be happy?

• If you had more time, would you read more books? 

Here are some wh- questions.

• If you had more free time, what would you do?

• If you had $10,000, what would you buy?

• If you visited Texas, how would you get there?

• If you owned an airplane, where would you go?

We often use the modal verb could in the if-clause to express an imaginary or possible ability. The main verb with the modal in the if-clause is not past tense; it is in the base form.

• If I could sew, I would make my own clothes.

• If I could, I would move to New York City. 

• If you could visit another country for two weeks, where would you go?

• If you could ask a wild animal a question, what would you ask?

We also often use could in the if-clause to make a polite request. This form sounds more tentative and gentle. The main verb with the modal in the if-clause is not past tense; it is in the base form.

• I would be very grateful if you could help me with this project.

• She would be really happy if you could visit us this weekend.

• It would be great if you could introduce the speakers.

• I would deeply appreciate it if you could watch our children tomorrow evening.

We can replace would with could or might in the result clause to express a possible, rather than probable or definite result.

• If I studied more, I could improve my grades.

• If I had more money, I could buy a bike.

• If you asked Zak, he might tell you.

• If you paid for their train tickets, they might come. 

You can also study other conditionals:

- Zero Conditional
- First Conditional
- Third Conditional
- Mixed Conditionals