This is how we form second conditional sentences. The second table shows some mistakes which are commonly made by learners when using second conditionals:
| Structure of the second conditional | ||
| positive | negative | question |
| If I had more time, I'd (I would) travel more. | I wouldn't (would not) refuse if you offered me $10,000. | What would you say if you met Queen Elizabeth? |
| If I were you, I'd leave the job. | I wouldn't (would not) leave the job if I were you. | Would you leave the job if you were me? |
| The second conditional - common mistakes | ||
| Common mistakes | Correct version | Why? |
|
|
If I had enough money, I would buy a new computer. | We use the past simple (here I had) in the if-clause. It shows we are talking about something which is unlikely to happen or is an imaginary situation. |
|
|
If you didn't hurry so much, you would feel more relaxed. | The main clause has would + infinitive. |
