Second conditional in English
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
In this chapter you will learn about the second conditional in English. This conditional is used to express a hypothetical situation.
The second conditional refers to situation that is now or any time and is unreal. It is used to express a hypothetical condition and its possible result.
Situation | Example |
---|---|
To express a hypothetical situation |
|
To expose wishes or dreams |
|
To display warnings, advice or offer help |
|
In the second conditional, it is correct to use 'If I / he / she / it were' instead of 'If I / he / she / it was'.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
---|---|
If you went to bed earlier, | you would not be so tired. |
If she spoke Spanish, | she would be working in Spain. |
Other modal verbs, such as 'could' or 'might' can be used instead of 'would' in the second conditional tense. These modal verbs change the possibility and meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Fill in the missing tense for the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If you to bed earlier, you would not be so tired. (to go)
If I more about computers, I could fix your laptop. (to know)
If I were taller, I not high heels. (to wear)
If you , you would hurt yourself. (to fall)
If we knew where they lived, we them. (to visit)
If she more money, she could go on holiday. (to have)
If he won the lottery, he a new house. (to buy)
If she didn't feel sick, she us going out. (to join)
If it an emergency, he would come immediately. (to be)
If he worked harder, he accepted into the team. (to be)
Fill in the missing tenses for the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If I (to be) you, I (to tell) your mother the truth.
If you (to have) a boat, I (to go) to the lake with you every weekend.
You not (to be) so tired, if you (to go) to bed earlier.
If we (to have) more money, we (to go) on a holiday together.
If I (to be) you, I not (to go) by car to the party.
If he did not (to smoke) so much, he (to feel) better.
If she Italian, she (to talk) to them.
If I (to break) a glass, my mother (to be) very angry.
If we (to win) the jackpot, we (to buy) a big house.
She (to get) her diploma, if she (to pass) the exam.
Fill in the missing tenses to form the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If she (to go) to bed earlier yesterday, she not (to be) so tired today.
If I (to be) you, I (to sell) your car.
If we (to steal) a piece of jewelry, the police (to punish) us.
I (to ask) my parents for more money, if I (to be) you.
If I not (to live) in Spain, I (to live) in Denmark.
If you (to work) a lot, you (to have) more money.
He (to get) less money from his parents, if he (to get) bad results.
I (to have) more time, if I (to stop) working.
She (to buy) a new car, if she (to win) the lottery.
If (to be) you, I not (to buy) that house.
Fill in the missing tense for the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If you to bed earlier, you would not be so tired. (to go)
If I more about computers, I could fix your laptop. (to know)
If I were taller, I not high heels. (to wear)
If you , you would hurt yourself. (to fall)
If we knew where they lived, we them. (to visit)
If she more money, she could go on holiday. (to have)
If he won the lottery, he a new house. (to buy)
If she didn't feel sick, she us going out. (to join)
If it an emergency, he would come immediately. (to be)
If he worked harder, he accepted into the team. (to be)
Fill in the missing tenses for the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If I (to be) you, I (to tell) your mother the truth.
If you (to have) a boat, I (to go) to the lake with you every weekend.
You not (to be) so tired, if you (to go) to bed earlier.
If we (to have) more money, we (to go) on a holiday together.
If I (to be) you, I not (to go) by car to the party.
If he did not (to smoke) so much, he (to feel) better.
If she Italian, she (to talk) to them.
If I (to break) a glass, my mother (to be) very angry.
If we (to win) the jackpot, we (to buy) a big house.
She (to get) her diploma, if she (to pass) the exam.
Fill in the missing tenses to form the second conditional in English.
Remember:
Structure: If + past simple + would + infinitive.
Example 1:
Example 2:
If she (to go) to bed earlier yesterday, she not (to be) so tired today.
If I (to be) you, I (to sell) your car.
If we (to steal) a piece of jewelry, the police (to punish) us.
I (to ask) my parents for more money, if I (to be) you.
If I not (to live) in Spain, I (to live) in Denmark.
If you (to work) a lot, you (to have) more money.
He (to get) less money from his parents, if he (to get) bad results.
I (to have) more time, if I (to stop) working.
She (to buy) a new car, if she (to win) the lottery.
If (to be) you, I not (to buy) that house.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hello! My name is Ivana and I come from Serbia.
I am a med student, also I am an active Red Cross volunteer. I worked with both children and adults. If you need some help with reading, listening, writing or speaking in Serbian or English, feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you. :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She is a kind girl , professional and will give you attention and everything you need . Was a great lesson.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I hold a MA in Language Didactics and New Technologies in Language Communication. I am native Greek speaker and also I speak fluently in English. I also know French in intermidiate level and I am basic user of Russian language.
I am teaching Greek language as a foreign language and also I'm teaching ancient Greek language. I have knowledge and expertise in intercultural education. I received further education on multilingual and multicultural subjects, as well as practice on how to influence students to improve their perspectives through activities or suitable educational material.
My interest for continuing education and self-training led me to attend online courses on translation and translation tools. Through this year I gained knowledge about this skill and I am always trying to improve my translation skills.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Vasiliki is an experience in teaching who has taught in several different fields. She teaches all levels from A1 to C2. She is very patient, organized and has lots of different learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Vasiliki Z.
![]()
Thank you very much !
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is a wonderful teacher. He can deduce what the needs of each student are and make the class in an entertaining and enriching way. I definitely recommend this teacher!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
My name is Jasmina Maksić. First to say - I love teaching!
There’s nothing more satisfying than influencing and changing lives by sharing your knowledge and experience.
I graduated English Language and then obtained Master Degree in Human Resources Management, even though apparently not closely connected, both fields require long hours, patience and care.
I have experience in teaching students on different learning levels and various topics, but with the expertise in Business English.
I believe in a strong communication between a teacher and students. I always tend to ensure the interactive teaching methods and encourage students to feel free to ask questions and express their ideas.
I am offering my dedication, enthusiasm and persistence.
“Not all superheroes wear capes, some have teaching degrees!“
See you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jasmina has taught to all ages, she specializes in teaching to adults. She has spent a lot of time in business environments, this means that she is the ideal person to help you learn business language. She teaches Serbian and English levels from A1 to C1.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I am Francesca and have a degree in specialised translation and interpreting cum laude. I have been working in the field of translation and teaching for about three years.
I am a foreign language teacher and a tutor for courses leading to language certifications recognised by the Common European Framework. I also teach Italian to foreigners and am a CELI examiner. My academic training and professional experience have enabled me to develop a successful teaching method tailored to the needs of each learner, ensuring excellent results in a short time in all four language skills (speaking, listening, writing, and reading).
I hope to see you soon at your first free class to start your linguistic and cultural growth.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She's very smart, professional, and pretty. She quickly understood my need as a learner and I had fun talking with her. She creates an atmosphere in class that makes students feel free to speak. Will book again.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, I left the country in 1994 to join an internship program in the USA, and have been living abroad ever since. Three years in the US, followed by 4 years in South Korea, where I graduated from the Keimyung University. Continuing on: lived and worked in Dubai, Australia, France and Thailand. I speak 5 languages and teach 2.
I have been teaching since my Uni years in Korea, going on twenty years now. I love my job, my students, the challenges, the joy. I know what my students are facing face along the way, their concerns and setbacks - I've been there. I am a very capable and efficient teacher, confident in getting the best results.
I am fun and resourceful, love to challenge myself and my student, captivate their interest and make sure they accomplish the highest possible goals.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
This was an amazing experience! Yulia is the best teacher I have ever met, very knowledgable and personable. Within our first session I was able to get an understanding of a few really difficult English language rules, which I struggled with for many years. She is a great coach as well, I received a great confidence and motivation boost. Once my personal and professional issues get resolved, I am going for the Intensive Course with Yulia. Thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
I believe learning should be fun and interactive!
I would love to help you in any way I can, to improve your knowledge of English.
I love making beginners feel comfortable, and developing conversations or grammar with those who are more experienced in English!
I am very used to teaching children whose second language is English.
I love teaching and watching children come alive with individual attention, and tailoring my teaching style to their personalities. I enjoy being animated with my students!
I am comfortable teaching children and adults.
I am a South African and have a Business degree. I worked in Finance and Marketing for 7 years for Volkswagen South Africa.
I am extroverted and I love people!
I have homeschooled my children from the 2nd grade through to the 7th grade.
I have taught Life Skills to 8 year olds at a Primary School for three years.
Currently, I tutor 1st and 2nd graders at a school where the children are learning in English as a SECOND language.
I believe my personality, teaching experience and work ethic make me a great teacher!
Best Regards
Christine Rafferty
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Cristina it's very funny and smilimg Person! Her english Is clear! Very good lesson with her! Thanks Cristina!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
**** Please contact me before booking a lesson, thanks! :-)*** Hello everyone, I'm Federica and I'm an italian and english teacher. Before being a teacher I've been a student infact I graduated in languages so I know very well how hard can be learning a new language. I'm interested in music, cinema, literature and I enjoy talking about several topics. I've been teaching since 2009 and in 2012 I've qualified as italian language teacher. I've experience with children and adults, with in company courses, with total beginners as well as with advanced. Also I've succesfully prepared a number of students for the most important english and italian certification (CELI, CILS, FIRST, PET, KET). Over the last years I've became specialized in one-to-one or small groups lessons because in this way I can create a tailored programme for each student. I follow a communicative approach and in my classes there's lot of room for speaking but I don't neglect grammar, listening and writing. I provide you with material, sometimes selfmade, other times taken from books, videos, or songs, but always useful to help you to immerse in the target language! At the end of every lesson I always assign homework in order to revise the things learnt. I define myself as a happy, positive and very patient person and I do my best to make the class a funny and relaxed moment. I look forward to meet you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My boy 11yo had very helpful and nice lessons with Federica, a first experience which it worths to repeat as soon as possible. Thanks to Federica.
Federica C.
Thank you so much! :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Corinne and I am a qualified ESL English teacher from England. I have been teaching in classrooms and online for over 3 years and I have many satisfied students.
My lessons are student-centred and usually take place on Skype. I treat every student as an individual and tailor my lessons to meet their goals. I use a variety of text books and free online resources including exercises, articles and videos. I usually give out a little homework at the end of each lesson to reinforce what we have done together.
In your first lesson, we will discuss your needs and check your current level. From this, we can decide what sort of lessons will suit you the best. Perhaps you struggle with grammar and sentence structure? Perhaps you need to practice English for a specific purpose, like understanding lectures, making phone calls at work, or travelling? Or perhaps you need a structured course so that you can learn English step by step?
Whatever you need, I’m here to help. I see it as my job to make you feel safe, build your confidence and make your lessons enjoyable. I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you on your path to speaking better English. Book your first lesson now and let’s get started.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Corinne is a kind, professional teacher and a great person! I strongly recommend her excellent lessons.
Corinne P.
![]()
Thank you, Anastasiia!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alessia is a really nice teacher with a lovely personality. It was very helpful. I recommend her for anyone, child or adult. Thank you
Alessia T.
Thank you , I really appreciate it!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, welcome to my profile!
My name is Alessia and I currently live in Italy. I spent a few years in the United States where I deepened my knowledge of English and American dialects. I am currently specializing in Spanish and German. Over the years, I have given private lessons in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, with Japanese being the most requested at the moment. Regarding Japanese, I had the opportunity to teach the language at an American college with a native Japanese teacher, applying the method that they use to learn their own language. I will help you in a simple way; conversation is really important for learning a language, and a good method is even more fundamental. No days spent on textbooks are needed; consistency and fun during lessons are the most important parts of learning. You will see results right away! I am patient, flexible, and will adapt in every way to your personal needs. I look forward to seeing you on my profile for a trial lesson and discovering an easy and fun method to learn a language as soon as possible.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
We only did two lessons but it seems to me that Alessia has understood what I need! She is very good and knows all the terms and idioms of everyday life, just what I need! :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I hace an advanced certificate of Cambridge and a TEFL certificate. I am an enthusiastic, creative, dynamic and easy going person looking to meet students of all ages and nationalities. I tailor my classes to students needs and interests. I always introduce new kind of activities to my lessons in order to keep these entertaining.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hanke has taught to all ages. She also has experience in helping you prepare for potential exams. Furthermore, she has lots of learning materials for all levels. She is kind, and you will surely feel comfortable in her class!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Alexis Joseph, I am a TESOL/ TEFL Certified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Major in Modern Languages, a postgraduate degree of Specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Master's degree in Science of Education Major in School Management and I am very interactive and dynamic.
I have seven years of teaching experience in the classroom and online, I have worked with students of all ages from children to adults and for different institutions as an academic coordinator and language area coordinator, in addition I have taught ESL / EFL, English Language Arts, English Conversation, Spanish and Basic French to students of multiple nationalities.
I hope to see you in my class!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alexis has over 7 years of teaching experience. He has experience in teaching to people from all around over the world. His classes are very interactive. Furthermore, he teaches English from A1 to B2 and Spanish to all levels. You will surely learn a lot!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I've been teaching English in Spain for the last 3 years and have lots of experience with Cambridge official exams (Pre A1- C1), conversation classes, help with General English and CLIL.
My teaching style is student-centered and tailored to your needs and goals. There's always plenty of talking time to practice any new grammar and vocabulary to focus on fluency and accuracy, as well as building confidence to naturally practice your new skills in conversation. The courses I create always revise previous learning points and integrate them with new material so that you don't just learn something once and never see it again.
I teach with a range of realia, textbook resources and online materials that have proven effective and engaging with my students in the past, but everything I use is adapted specifically for your areas of weakness and learning styles!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I find that Beth was so easy to talk. I m always nervous when I speak English but talking to Beth I am not nervous because she has this power to let me just speak. She won’t rush to finish even the time is almost up. Is good. Hoping to take her class more and more. Her accent is easy to hear too!
Beth B.
![]()
Thank you Achilles! I had a great time teaching you in your first class and it was great to see you already making so much progress and gaining confidence! I'm looking forward to seeing you in your next class!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Ivana and I come from Serbia.
I am a med student, also I am an active Red Cross volunteer. I worked with both children and adults. If you need some help with reading, listening, writing or speaking in Serbian or English, feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you. :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She is a kind girl , professional and will give you attention and everything you need . Was a great lesson.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I hold a MA in Language Didactics and New Technologies in Language Communication. I am native Greek speaker and also I speak fluently in English. I also know French in intermidiate level and I am basic user of Russian language.
I am teaching Greek language as a foreign language and also I'm teaching ancient Greek language. I have knowledge and expertise in intercultural education. I received further education on multilingual and multicultural subjects, as well as practice on how to influence students to improve their perspectives through activities or suitable educational material.
My interest for continuing education and self-training led me to attend online courses on translation and translation tools. Through this year I gained knowledge about this skill and I am always trying to improve my translation skills.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Vasiliki is an experience in teaching who has taught in several different fields. She teaches all levels from A1 to C2. She is very patient, organized and has lots of different learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Vasiliki Z.
![]()
Thank you very much !
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is a wonderful teacher. He can deduce what the needs of each student are and make the class in an entertaining and enriching way. I definitely recommend this teacher!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
My name is Jasmina Maksić. First to say - I love teaching!
There’s nothing more satisfying than influencing and changing lives by sharing your knowledge and experience.
I graduated English Language and then obtained Master Degree in Human Resources Management, even though apparently not closely connected, both fields require long hours, patience and care.
I have experience in teaching students on different learning levels and various topics, but with the expertise in Business English.
I believe in a strong communication between a teacher and students. I always tend to ensure the interactive teaching methods and encourage students to feel free to ask questions and express their ideas.
I am offering my dedication, enthusiasm and persistence.
“Not all superheroes wear capes, some have teaching degrees!“
See you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jasmina has taught to all ages, she specializes in teaching to adults. She has spent a lot of time in business environments, this means that she is the ideal person to help you learn business language. She teaches Serbian and English levels from A1 to C1.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials