Use the second conditional for situations that are not real now, or that are very unlikely. The verb looks like the past, but the meaning is about now or the future.
| If clause | Main clause |
|---|---|
| If I had more time, | I would learn the piano. |
| If she lived nearer, | she would visit us. |
| If they didn't work so hard, | they would have more free time. |
The past simple in the if clause does not mean the past. It shows that the situation is not real or not likely. The time is now or the future.
If I were you is a fixed phrase for giving advice.
In the if clause, were is grammatically correct with every person. It is also common to hear was with I, he, she and it, especially with he and she.
If I were you keeps were.
In the main clause, use could (possible) or might (perhaps) instead of would.
| First conditional | Second conditional |
|---|---|
| If I win, I will buy a car.a real possibility | If I won, I would buy a car.unlikely or imagined |
The first conditional is on Zero and first conditionals: real conditions. For the imagined past, see The third conditional: unreal past situations. For past times, see Mixed conditionals: when the time is different in the two parts.
✗If I knew, I will tell you. (Meaning: an unreal situation now.)
✓If I knew, I would tell you.
The result of an unreal if clause uses would: would tell.
✗If I am you, I would go.
✓If I were you, I would go.
The fixed advice phrase is If I were you.
See Zero and first conditionals: real conditions, The third conditional: unreal past situations, Mixed conditionals: when the time is different in the two parts, Unless, as long as, provided and in case: other ways to make conditions and Would: forms, wishes, requests and past meanings.
Eight questions. Choose one answer for each.