Form

If + past simple/continuous + would

Functions and examples

We use the second conditional to talk about situations or actions in the present or future, which are not likely to happen or are imaginary, hypothetical or impossible.


If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world and buy a castle in Norway.
-- I think that it is very unlikely that I will win the lottery. However, in this unlikely condition, I will travel and buy a castle

If I wasn't watching TV now, I would be playing football.
-- I am watching TV, and imagining what I would do if I wasn't

If I were an alien, I would be able to travel around the universe.
-- It is impossible for me to be an alien. However, I am imagining what I would do in this situation.