English grammar
Second conditional: if + past, would 📕
We use the second conditional for situations that are imagined, unlikely or not true now.
Form
| If + past simple | would + base form |
| If I had more time, | I would learn to play the piano. |
| If I won the lottery, | I'd travel around the world. |
| If she lived closer, | we would see her more often. |
The past form does not mean past time here. It means "not real".
If I were you
With be, we often use were for all persons, especially for advice:
If I were you, I would call the doctor.
If he were here, he would help us.
Could and might
If I had a car, I could drive you home.
First or second conditional?
If I find a job, I will move. (I think it is possible)
If I found a job, I would move. (I don't think it will happen)
✗ If I would have money, I would buy a house.
✓ If I had money, I would buy a house.