📝 Created by: El Arby Ameur | 📅 August 2026 | 🌐 lesson.tn
📖 Second Conditional Rules: If + Past Simple, Would + Verb
Level: B1 | Focus: Form, Usage, Rules
GrammarConditionalssecond conditionalrulesgrammar
1. The Formula
If + Past Simple, Would + Base Verb (Infinitive)
Use past simple in the if clause (imaginary condition) and would + base verb in the result clause!
2. When to Use Second Conditional
Imaginary Situations: If I had a superpower, I would fly.
Unlikely Future Events: If I won the lottery, I would travel.
Giving Advice: If I were you, I would study more.
Dreams and Wishes: If I had more time, I would learn guitar.
3. First vs Second Conditional
• First Conditional: If it rains, I will stay home. (Real possibility)
• Second Conditional: If I won the lottery, I would buy a car. (Imaginary)
4. Using 'WERE' for All Subjects
• If I were rich... (not "If I was rich")
• If he were here... (not "If he was here")
• If she were famous... (not "If she was famous")
⚠️ Important Rules:
1. NEVER use "would" in the if clause!
2. Use past simple in the if clause (refers to imaginary present/future)
3. Use "would + base verb" in the result clause
4. Use "were" for all subjects (formal English)