SECOND CONDITIONAL

Form       If +simple past + would + infinitive

Uses

1. To talk about unreal or hypothetical present or future situations.
2. To talk about present or future situations that are not likely.

Examples

1. If  I had a lot of money,I would buy my parents a new house.(But I don't have a lot of money.)

2. If  I won an Olympic gold medal,I would be very happy.

Notes

• We often use were instead of  was after if I ...or if he/she/it...,especially in a more formal style.

Example

If I weren't busy,I would go.

• We can use the modal verbs might or could of  would in the main clause.

Examples

I could do this exercise if you gave me the answer key!

If he were in trouble, I might help him.