Second Conditional

Use:       

The second conditional structure is used to talk about imaginary situations and the consequences. 
                Example: If I had a car, I could visit my friend.
                (But the truth is, I do not have a car, and I cannot visit my friend).            

The second conditional structure is also used to talk about imaginary abilities and the consequences. 
                Example: If I could fly, I wouldn’t need a car.
                (But the truth is, I cannot fly, and so I need a car.)

Form:
1)  Make the second conditional in this way.

If

I you he she...

past simple

,

I you he she...

would / wouldn’t ‘d could / couldn’t

verb (infinitive form)

Example:             If we had more money, we would buy that house.

Or

I you he she...

would / wouldn’t ‘d could / couldn’t

verb (infinitive form)

if

I you he she...

past simple

Example:             She’d be more successful if she worked harder.

2)  The verb to be can use were for all subjects. This is particularly true in the sentence: If I were you…
If I were you, I’d buy a bicycle.  

However, this rule is often overlooked.
If he were more careful, he wouldn’t break everything.  =>
If he was more careful, he wouldn’t break everything.

3)  To talk about imaginary abilities, use could.

If

I you he she...

could + verb (infinitive)

,

I you he she...

would / wouldn’t ‘d

verb (infinitive form)

Example:             If I could help you, I would!

4)  Notice that the infinitive verb after the modal verbs is not necessary if the meaning is clear. Don’t contract modal verbs when there is no infinitive verb present.

If I could pay, I’d...   =>   If I could pay, I would...

Common errors:
1) Many students write would after If
If I would have a lot of money, I would buy that car!        
=>           If I had a lot of money, I would buy that car!       

2) Many students forget to use could to talk about abilities.
                If I played the drums, I’d join a band.
=>           If I could play the drums, I’d join a band.