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English grammar lessons › Level B1 › Verbs

If I had more time…: imagined situations

The second conditional for unreal or unlikely situations now or in the future, and giving advice with If I were you

What you'll be able to do

Talk about dreams and imagined situations, explain what you would do differently, and give advice politely.

The idea

For a situation that is unreal now or unlikely: if + past simple, then would + base form. The past form here isn't about the past: it shows the situation is imagined.

  • If I had more time, I would learn to play the piano.I don't have time
  • If she lived closer, we'd see each other more.she doesn't live close
  • What would you do if you won the lottery?very unlikely
  • I wouldn't go there if I were you.advice

were or was?

With I, he, she, it, both were and was are used: If I were rich… is more formal and is standard in the phrase If I were you; If I was rich… is common in everyday speech. Both are accepted in this course.

First or second conditional?

  • If I get the job, I'll move to Toronto.it's possible: I've applied
  • If I got the job, I'd move to Toronto.it's unlikely, or I'm just imagining

Common mistakes

  • If I would have money, I would travel. No would in the if-part: If I had money…
  • If I had time, I will help you. The result is would: I would help you.
  • If I am you, I would ask. → If I were you, I would ask.

Practice

  1. If I _____ more money, I'd buy a house by the sea.
    Options: had · have · would have
    Show the answer

    had — Second conditional: if + past simple.

  2. What _____ you do if you lost your phone?
    Options: would · will · did
    Show the answer

    would — An imagined situation: would + base form.

  3. I _____ that job if I were you. The hours are terrible.
    Options: wouldn't take · won't take · didn't take
    Show the answer

    wouldn't take — Advice with If I were you: would / wouldn't.

  4. Which sentence is about an unlikely, imagined situation?
    Options: If I won a million dollars, I'd stop working. · If I win the match, I'll be happy. · When I finish work, I'll call you.
    Show the answer

    If I won a million dollars, I'd stop working. — If + past simple, would: imagined.

  5. If she _____ (live) nearer, we'd see her every week.
    Show the answer

    lived — If + past simple for a situation that isn't real now.

In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.
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More on this topic: English conditionals: first, second, third and mixed