Second conditional

Rules

• Rule 1: If + past simple

  In the if-part use the past simple. For negatives use didn't + verb. Don't normally use would here.

  Pattern: If + subject + past simple / didn't + verb

  Example: If my cousin visited us more often, …

  Example: If it didn't snow so much, …

• Rule 2: Result → would + verb

  In the result part use would + base verb (negative: wouldn't). Use could + verb for ability or possibility.

  Pattern: subject + would / wouldn't / could + verb

  Example: If I had a telescope, I would look at the stars every night.

  Example: If he practiced more, he could join the school band.

• Rule 3: If I were you

  With to be, we prefer were for every subject (*If I was* is heard in informal speech, but use were in writing and exams). If I were you, … is the classic way to give advice.

  Pattern: If + I / he / she / it + were …

  Example: If I were you, I would wear a coat.

  Example: If the museum were closer, we would go every week.

• Rule 4: Word order and questions

  The if-part can come first (add a comma) or second (no comma). In questions, would comes before the subject.

  Pattern: Would + subject + verb + if …?

  Example: We would travel more if we had more vacation time.

  Example: What would you do if you met a dinosaur?

Common mistakes

• If I would have a cat, I would play with it. → If I had a cat, I would play with it.

  No would in the if-part.

• If I were rich, I will buy a castle. → If I were rich, I would buy a castle.

  Imaginary results take would, not will.

• If I was you, I would ask. → If I were you, I would ask.

  The advice phrase is If I were you. *If I was you* is heard in casual speech, but it's marked wrong in writing and exams.