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Teacher cue
B1 · English Grammar

Second
Conditional

If I had more money, I would travel the world.

if + past simple would + base verb
The idea

Imaginary situations & results

We use it for situations that are not real — fantasies, hypothetical questions, unlikely scenarios.

Examples

If I had more money, I would travel the world. (I don't)

If he studied more, he could pass his exams.

The structure

if + past simple

→ would/could/might + base verb

Don't confuse them

First vs second conditional

First — real / likely

If it rains, I will stay at home.
(could actually happen)

Second — imaginary / unlikely

If it rained all year, I would move countries.
(not really going to happen)

💡 If I were you…

Use were for all subjects in formal English.

If I were you, I would apologize. (recommended)

If she were taller, she could be a model.

In real sentences

See it in action

If I were you, I would apologize immediately.
She would be happier if she lived closer to her family.
What would you do if you lost your job?
⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

If I would have money, I would travel.

If I had money, I would travel.

If she would study, she could pass.

If she studied, she could pass.

I would to travel the world.

I would travel the world. (no "to")

What would you do if you will lose your job?

What would you do if you lost your job?

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap to reveal

Fill the gap

If I(have)more time, I would learn a new language.
She(travel)more if she had the money.
What would you do if you(win)the lottery?
If I were you, I(apologize)immediately.
He(pass)his exams if he studied more.
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

If I wonA the lottery, I wouldB buy a house nearC the sea and would travelingD more.

Dand would traveling → and would travel

✓ would + base verb

If we hadA lessB chairs, nobodyC would be able to sitD down.

Bless → fewer

✓ fewer with countable nouns

If I would beA you, I would speakB toC the manager immediatelyD.

AIf I would be → If I were

✓ no would in the if-clause

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

If I had more free time,
She would be much happier
If I were you,
What would you do
Speak & write

Your turn

Use if + past simple, would/could/might + base verb.

What would you do if you won a million dollars?
If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?
What would you do if you were the president of Brazil?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Recap

Remember this

If-clause
past simple
Result clause
would/could/might + base verb
Use
imaginary / not real now
Never
"would" in the if-clause

Past simple in if-clause = imaginary — not actually past time.

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