The Second conditional is used:
If you start with the if clause then you need to separate it from the main clause with a comma.
If clause | Comma | Main Clause |
If + Past Simple | , | Subject + would + base verb |
If you start the sentence with the main clause you must not separate it from the If clause with a comma.
Main Clause | If Clause |
Subject + would+ base verb | if + Past Simple |
Examples:
If clause | Comma | Main Clause |
If + Past Simple | , | Subject + would+ base verb |
If I won the lottery | , | I would buy a big house |
If I met the Queen of England, | , | I would say hello. |
Main Clause | If Clause |
Subject would + base verb | if + Past Simple |
She would travel all over the world | if she were rich. |
She would pass the exam | if she ever studied. |
Note that with the verb To Be we use IF + I / HE / SHE / IT + WERE
The reason we use WERE instead of WAS is because the sentence is in the Subjunctive mood.
Subjunctive mood is the verb form used to explore a hypothetical situation (e.g., If I were you) or to express a wish, a demand, or a suggestion (e.g., I demand he be present).
For instance:
If I were not in debt, I would quit my job.
If he were taller, he’d be accepted into the team.
She would still be correcting my grammar if she were still alive.
Note: In informal English, you will hear some people say If I was… If he was… etc. This usage doesn’t sound good though unfortunately is common.
Important Note:
Only the word “if” is used with the Second Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. “When” cannot be used.
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
The words “can,” “shall” and “may” cannot be used with “would“.
Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
COULD can be used instead of WOULD to make the hypothetical present or future more likely.
For instance: