The second conditional

  • B1 · Intermediate
  • Grammar lesson
  • 60 min

The second conditional: If + past simple, would + verb for imaginary and unlikely situations (If I had her life, I would…). Were for all persons, could and would, questions, and first or second conditional? From two sisters who imagine each other's lives to a game of what-ifs about the world.

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If I werewould becould see

What's in the lesson

  1. 1Warm-up
  2. 2Reading: two sisters, two livesReading comprehension
  3. 3What does it mean?Grammar exercise
  4. 4Two halvesGrammar exercise
  5. 5How the second conditional worksGrammar rule
  6. 6Choose the right formGrammar exercise
  7. 7One thing leads to anotherGrammar exercise
  8. 8First or second?Grammar exercise
  9. 9Questions for your teacherGrammar exercise
  10. 10Say it naturallySpeaking practice
  11. 11What would the world be like?Speaking practice
  12. 12About youGrammar exercise
  13. 13Wrap-up

Homework

  1. 1Homework: Bea's replyGrammar exercise
  2. 2Homework: negatives and questionsGrammar exercise
  3. 3Homework: a life I would like to tryDiscussion

Two slides from the lesson

Warm-up

A few questions about you before we start.

  1. What would you do with a completely free day tomorrow?
  2. Do you have a brother, sister or cousin with a very different life from yours?
  3. Have you ever wanted to try someone else's life, even for a day? Whose?

Grammar rule

How the second conditional works

If + past simple, would / could + verb

We use it for imaginary or unlikely situations, now or in the future. The past form does not mean the past here: it means "not real" or "not likely".

  • If I had Bea's life, I would have breakfast in Paris. (I don't have her life.)
  • If I didn't work every holiday, I could see you more often. (could = would be able to)
  • The if part can come second: Bea would be exhausted if she were in charge of three kids.

Questions and short forms

  • Who would you ask for help if your car broke down at night?
  • I'd = I would · wouldn't = would not (but in I'd already eaten, I'd = I had)

were for everyone

In careful English, we use were for all people: If I were you… If the museum were open today, we could go. In conversation, many people say If I was…

First or second?

  • If Bea visits in June, we'll go to the lake. (a real plan: it can happen)
  • If Bea lived next door, we'd see each other every day. (not true: she lives in Miami)
Not If she would come more often… For an imaginary situation, the if part has the past, not would: If she came more often, the kids would love it. (Polite phrases like if you'd like are different.)

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