Ch 9 · Lesson 9English · Chapter 9 · Lesson 9 · Grammar primer
If I won, I'd travel: the second conditional
If + past, would + verb for something you imagine, now or in the future. And If I were you, I'd wait: were for every person.
The short version
If + past, would: something you imagine now
, .
Why?Hide
The second conditional uses a past form in the if part, but it is about now or the future: something you imagine, or that is not likely. The result takes would. With be, use were for every person: If I were you.
Second conditional: imagine
+ , + verb. For something you imagine, or that is not likely. It looks past, but it is about now or the future.
| If part | Result |
|---|---|
, | . |
, | . |
closer, | . |
If I had more time means: I don't have it. Would is often short: I'd, we'd. Could or might can replace it:
, .First or second? It is about how real it feels:
Tom, .(I may see him.), .(I don't think I will.)
If I were you
With be, the second conditional uses were for every person:
, .(my advice: wait), .
If I was is common in speech and widely accepted. If I were is the safe choice in writing and exams, and If I were you is a fixed phrase for advice. The same were comes after wish: wish and if only.
Going further: Two halves and one comma and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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