Grammar Lessons

Second Conditional

Imaginary Lives & Hypotheticals

The second conditional is for imagining — situations that are unlikely, impossible, or just not real. It's the tense of dreams, dilemmas, and "what would you do if...?" conversations.

Intermediate · B1 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Imagining — not predicting.

Structure

The if clause uses past simple. The result uses would + base verb. Note: use were (not was) in formal English for all subjects.

if If + past simple, would + base verb — "If I had more time, I'd take on a new project."

were If I were you, I would… — "If I were you, I'd step back and reassess."

− If + past simple, wouldn't + base verb — "If she cared, she wouldn't give up so easily."

First vs. Second Conditional

First Conditional

Real and likely — it could actually happen.

"If I get the job, I'll move to the city."

Second Conditional

Imaginary or unlikely — not expected to happen.

"If I won the lottery, I'd go for it immediately."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs for dreaming, deciding, and imagining. Each example uses the second conditional.

go for it

Meaning

To pursue something with full commitment — to decide to try or do something bold.

Example

"If I had no financial pressure, I'd just go for it and start my own business."

Conversation questions

If fear wasn't a factor, what would you go for it and do?
Are you someone who tends to go for it, or do you prefer to wait until you're sure?

step back

Meaning

To distance yourself from a situation to think more clearly or give someone else space.

Example

"If I felt overwhelmed, I would step back and look at the big picture."

Conversation questions

If you were in a heated argument, would you step back immediately or push through?
Is there a situation in your life where stepping back would help — but you find it difficult?

give up

Meaning

To stop doing or pursuing something, usually because it's too hard or no longer worth it.

Example

"If I were in that situation, I wouldn't give up — I'd find another way."

Conversation questions

If a goal became incredibly difficult, would you push on or give up? What would make the difference?
Is there something you would give up if you could start over?

put aside

Meaning

To set something aside temporarily — money, feelings, a disagreement — to focus on something else.

Example

"If I could put aside my ego, I think I'd listen a lot better."

Conversation questions

If you could put aside one personality trait for a day, which would it be and why?
Is there a disagreement you'd resolve if both sides put aside their pride?

carry out

Meaning

To perform or complete a task, plan, or instruction.

Example

"If I had the resources, I would carry out a complete redesign of the system."

Conversation questions

If you had unlimited resources, what project or idea would you carry out?
If you were in charge of your city, what changes would you carry out first?

take on

Meaning

To accept a new challenge, responsibility, or opponent.

Example

"If I didn't have so many commitments, I would take on so much more."

Conversation questions

If you had twice as much free time, what would you take on?
Would you take on more responsibility if it came with no extra pay? Why or why not?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme. Remember: if + past simple, would + base verb. Let your imagination run.

Hypothetical Life Choices

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If you could change one decision you've made in your life, what would it be?
If money weren't an issue, what career would you pursue?

Dilemmas & Difficult Situations

If a close friend asked you to lie for them, what would you do?
If you found out a colleague was doing something dishonest, how would you handle it?
If you were offered your dream job but it meant leaving your family behind, what would you decide?

Dream Scenarios

If you had one year with no responsibilities, what would you do with it?
If you could have dinner with any person — alive or dead — who would it be and what would you ask?
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and how would you carry it out?