The second conditional is also called the present unreal
conditional.  

STRUCTURE

If     +     Simple Past     +     Modal     +     Base Verb

Examples:
  • If I had more money, I would buy a car.
  • If he were 16, he could drive.


USES

Unreal situations in the present
  • If I were the teacher, I would make class shorter.

Imagined events
  • If I were rich, I would buy a private jet.

Impossible present situations
  • I would go to the party, if I didn't have to work.



Was vs. Were
Use “were” for all subjects.

Examples:
  • If I were rich, I would not work.
  • If he were older, he would understand.


Questions

Here are some examples of questions using the 2nd
conditional:

  • What would you do if you were me?
  • If you had $1,000, what would you buy?
  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you
    want to live?
  • Who would you like to meet, if you could meet anyone?

Notice that the questions are often unreal situations.  In the
examples, it is clear that it is impossible to live anywhere in the
world or meet anyone in the world.



Practice the 2nd conditional with these tests:

2nd Conditional Test
2nd Conditional Test 2
2nd & 3rd Conditional Test


For music that uses the 2nd conditional, check out these songs:

Beyonce - If I Were a Boy
Barenaked Ladies - If I Had a Million Dollars
Katie Melua - If You Were a Sailboat
Lyle Lovett - If I Had a Boat
Conditional Tests

Zero Conditional

Business English
Conditional Music