The key idea
Choose the second conditional for imagined situations, and use I wish to express dissatisfaction with the present.
What is it for?
Learn to describe imagined situations, express wishes, suggest changes, and give advice in writing.
What you need to know
- Use the second conditional for unreal situations or unlikely future events.
- Choose would for imagined results and could or might for possible options.
- Use I wish and if only to express a desire for change.
- Give advice with If I were you, followed by would and a base verb.
- Choose the first conditional when a future event is a real possibility.
1. Build the second conditional
Use if + past simple, followed by would + base verb.
The past form does not describe past time here. It shows an imagined situation.
Use were with every person in careful writing, especially in If I were you.
- If I had more time, I would learn Italian.
- If she were closer, we would meet more often.
- Never put would directly after if in this pattern.
- Use a comma when the if-clause comes first.
If I earned more, I would rent a larger flat.
The speaker imagines a different present situation.
I would travel more if I had extra money.
The main clause comes first, so no comma is needed.
2. Describe unlikely situations and possible results
Use the second conditional for situations that are unreal now or unlikely later.
Choose would for an imagined result, could for an ability or option, and might for an uncertain result.
These forms help you explain your ideas without presenting them as facts.
- Use would when the result follows from your imagined situation.
- Use could when something would become possible.
- Use might when the result is uncertain.
- Add a reason or example to make your writing clearer.
If our office moved downtown, I would walk to work.
Would presents the imagined result.
If I lived near the station, I could take the train.
Could describes a new option.
If we shared a car, we might save money.
Might shows an uncertain result.
3. Express wishes about the present
Use I wish + past simple to describe something you want to change now.
Use If only in the same way when you want to express a stronger feeling.
The past form refers to the present situation, not an earlier event.
- Name the problem clearly.
- Use I wish for a direct, common expression of desire.
- Use If only to give the wish more feeling.
- Use could for an ability you do not have.
- Use would when you want a situation or behaviour to change.
I wish I had more time for my family.
The speaker wants a different situation now.
If only my bus arrived earlier.
If only expresses a stronger wish.
I wish I could work from home.
Could describes a desired opportunity.
I wish my neighbours would turn down the music.
Would expresses a desired change in behaviour.
4. Give advice and compare real possibilities
Use If I were you, I would to offer advice politely.
Explain your reason so the reader can understand your suggestion.
The first conditional describes a real possibility. The second conditional describes an imagined or unlikely situation.
- Advice: If I were you, I would talk to my manager.
- Real possibility: If I get the job, I will move.
- Imagined possibility: If I got the job, I would move.
- Use would, not will, in the main clause of the second conditional.
- You can add a polite suggestion or a possible next step.
If I were you, I would compare the salaries first.
This gives advice without sounding like an order.
If the company offers flexible hours, I will accept the job.
The offer is a real future possibility.
If the company offered flexible hours, I would accept the job.
The offer is imagined or considered unlikely.
How to do it, step by step
- Introduce the present problem or imagined situation.
- Explain what would be different under other circumstances.
- Describe possible results with would, could, or might.
- Add a wish if you want to express dissatisfaction.
- Give practical advice and explain your main reason.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| If + past simple, would + base verb | If I lived closer, I would visit more often. | If we had a garden, we would grow vegetables. |
| If + past simple, could + base verb | If I owned a car, I could drive to work. | If she spoke Spanish, she could help our customers. |
| If + past simple, might + base verb | If we left earlier, we might avoid traffic. | If he changed his schedule, he might sleep better. |
| If I were you, I would + base verb | If I were you, I would ask about the salary. | If I were you, I would compare both offers. |
| I wish + past simple | I wish I earned more money. | I wish my office had larger windows. |
| If only + past simple | If only I had more free time. | If only the train arrived earlier. |
| I wish + could + base verb | I wish I could take longer holidays. | I wish I could finish work earlier. |
| I wish + subject + would + base verb | I wish my manager would explain the changes. | I wish the bus company would add another service. |
| If + present simple, will + base verb | If I receive an offer, I will consider it. | If she passes the interview, she will start next month. |
UK / US: Both British and American English use the second conditional. Were is common in careful advice, especially in If I were you.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.
Model text
A Different Job Could Change Your Life
Opening
Many people consider changing jobs when their work becomes tiring or their pay stops meeting their needs. Imagine that you could choose a different career tomorrow. Your choice would affect your income, daily routine, and time with family.
The opening introduces the problem and invites the reader to imagine another situation.
Imagined situation
If I worked fewer hours, I would have more time for exercise and friends. I could also prepare meals at home instead of buying lunch. However, if my salary were lower, I might struggle to pay my bills. I would compare both salaries before making a decision.
The second conditional explores possible benefits and problems. The writer also considers practical limits.
Wishes and advice
I wish employers offered more flexible hours because this would help many workers. If only every company considered its employees' needs. If I were you, I would list your priorities and research several employers. You could also speak to someone who already works in your chosen field.
Wishes show what the writer wants to change. Advice gives the reader clear next steps.
Closing
A new job might improve your life, but changing jobs without a plan could create extra stress. I would prepare carefully before accepting an offer. What matters most is choosing a job that fits your needs and future plans.
The closing balances hope with caution and ends with a clear recommendation.
Common mistakes
✗ If I would earn more, I would save money.
✓ If I earned more, I would save money.
Use the past simple after if in the second conditional.
✗ If she had more time, she will exercise.
✓ If she had more time, she would exercise.
Use would in the result clause of the second conditional.
✗ If I was you, I would ask for advice.
✓ If I were you, I would ask for advice.
Were is the standard form in this common advice pattern.
✗ I wish I would have more free time.
✓ I wish I had more free time.
Use the past simple after wish to describe a different present situation.
✗ If I had a car I would drive to work.
✓ If I had a car, I would drive to work.
Add a comma when the if-clause comes first.
✗ If I got the job, I will move closer.
✓ If I got the job, I would move closer.
Use would for the imagined result of an unlikely situation.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Name the situation you want to discuss.
- Decide whether it is real or imagined.
- Write two possible results using would, could, or might.
- Add a wish or practical advice when it fits.
Check
- Check that each if-clause uses the correct verb form.
- Check that would is not placed after if.
- Check commas when an if-clause comes first.
- Check that wishes describe the correct time and meaning.
- Check that your advice includes a clear reason.
Practice
Choose the correct conditional
Choose the correct verb forms for each situation.
1.If I ___ enough money, I would buy a better laptop.
The second conditional uses the past simple after if.
2.If the bus arrives on time, we ___ the meeting.
The first conditional describes a real future possibility.
3.If she ___ closer to work, she would walk there.
The imagined situation needs the past simple.
4.If I were you, I ___ the contract carefully.
Use would plus the base verb to give advice.
5.If we miss the train, we ___ a taxi.
The sentence describes a real possible future event.
6.If he ___ more confident, he would apply for the job.
Were is suitable for an imagined present situation.
Complete the second conditional
Write the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1.If I (have) a quieter office, I would concentrate better.
Use the past simple in the if-clause.
2.If she (be) the manager, she would change the schedule.
Were is the standard form for this imagined situation.
3.If we lived near the station, we (can) travel more easily.
Could describes an option created by the imagined situation.
4.If he saved more money, he (might) afford a holiday.
Might shows that the result is possible but uncertain.
5.I wish I (earn) a higher salary.
Use the past simple after wish for a present desire.
6.If only our neighbours (be) quieter at night.
Were describes the present situation the writer wants to change.
7.If I were you, I (ask) for more information.
Use would plus the base verb to give advice.
8.I wish my manager (explain) the new rules more clearly.
Would expresses a desired change in another person's behaviour.
Build second conditional sentences
Put the words in the correct order. Add punctuation.
1.Put the words in order:
IiftravelImoneywouldhadmore
The if-clause uses the past simple, followed by would and a base verb.
2.Put the words in order:
ifclosermoremeetwewelivedoftenwould
The imagined situation comes before the result clause.
3.Put the words in order:
IIifoffersyouwerecomparethewould
If I were you is a common way to introduce advice.
4.Put the words in order:
spokehelpshecustomersifcouldSpanishshe
The past simple introduces an imagined skill, and could shows its possible use.
5.Put the words in order:
wishhadformoretimeIexercisei
Wish plus the past simple describes a different present situation.
Correct one small mistake
Correct the single mistake in each sentence.
1.If I would have more time, I would cook at home.
Replace would have with had after if.
2.If she lived nearby, she will visit us more often.
Replace will with would for the imagined result.
3.If I was you, I would check the price.
Use were in the standard advice expression.
4.I wish I would know the answer.
Use the past simple after wish to describe a present desire.
5.If we had a car we would visit more places.
Add a comma after an if-clause at the start.
6.If he studied harder, he will pass the exam.
Use would for the result of an imagined situation.
Now write
Your task
Write a short advice letter of 120-150 words to a friend who is thinking about changing jobs. Your friend works long hours and wants a better salary. A new job might offer more money, but the journey would take longer. Explain what you would do in this situation. Include two imagined results, one wish, and at least two pieces of advice. Use the details in this task as your starting point. You may add other made-up details.
Word bank
flexible hoursmonthly salarycareer changejob offerdaily commuteworkloadjob securityprofessional skillsfuture plansfinancial needscompare optionsweigh the benefitsgain experiencemake a decisionlong-term goals
Sentence starters
- If I were you, I would...
- If you accepted the offer, you could...
- If the journey were shorter, you would...
- I wish employers...
- One thing I would consider is...
- Before making a decision, I would...