You make the second conditional by using two clauses.

One clause is the condition clause. It uses if and the past simple to make the condition.

• If + past simple
• If I walked home
• If I didn't walk home

The other clause is the result clause. It uses the subject, would and the base form of a verb to make the result.

• Subject + would + verb base form
• I would be there already.
• I wouldn't have seen her.

The condition or the result can go at the beginning of the sentence or the end.

• Condition clause + , + result clause.
• If I walked home, I would be there soon.
• If I said so, I would be there soon.
• Result clause + condition clause.
• I would be there already if I walked home.
• I would be there soon if I wanted to be.

Above, the example used would. Would is the word most often used for the second conditional but there are two other words you can use. It all depends on what you want to say!

• Use would for wishes and dreams.
• If we had the money, I would love to buy that house.
• Use could when the result is not 100% sure.
• If we owned a car, I could drive to work.
• Use might when the result is a lot less sure.
• If we had the money, I might buy a car.

Use the Second Conditional to Talk about Impossible or Unlikely Future Conditions and their Results.

• If he went to the moon, he'd be happy.
• If I won the lottery, I would buy a mansion.
• If they owned the company, they'd do a better job.

Use the Second Conditional to Talk about Imaginary but Possible Futures.

This is often used as a way of considering options and choices.

• If I joined a gym, I might work out more.
• We could finish on time if the company employed another person.
• If they bought cheaper bread, they'd save more money.

Use the Second Conditional to Talk about an Unreal Condition in the Present and an Imaginary Result.

• If I had a million euros, I might buy that car.
• He would do better if he worked a bit harder.
• If she were more careful, she wouldn't break everything.

Use the Second Conditional to Offer Advice.

• If I were her, I'd say no.
• If I were you, I think I might call them.
• If I were your age, I'd be at a party with my friends.

Use the Second Conditional to Ask Advice.

• If you were me, what would you do?
• If you could go on holiday, would you?
• If you lived there, what would you do?

Use the Second Conditional to a Hypothetical Question.

• What would you do if it were always night?
• If you could change the country, what would you change?
• If you met the Queen, what might you say?

Use the Second Conditional to Give Reasons You Cannot Do Something.

• If I had his number, I would call him.
• If I had the time, I could do something about it.
• If I thought it would make a difference, I might help.

Use the Second Conditional For a Polite Request.

• It'd be great if you introduced us.
• I'd be really happy if you visited me.
• She might find it easier if you helped her.

When talking about imaginary abilities, replace the past simple with could + verb 1 like this:

• If I could fly, I'd fly to Malta.
• If I could play the piano, I'd make beautiful music.
• I'd be home by now if I could run faster.

When imagining you are someone else you use the verb to be like this:

• If I were you

Note that it is I were and not I was for imaginary situations.