Definition of second conditonal

Question

Hello,What is the definition of second conditional? In what situations we can use it? Please, explain it with examples.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

CalifJim · Answer

MFarooqsecond conditional

Essentially it's any sentence with the form

IF [past tense*], ... WOULD ....

If I won a million dollars, I would spend it all in a month.

CJ

*except that 'was' is changed to 'were', especially in formal styles.

If she was here, she would know what to do. (casual conversation)
If she were here, she would know what to do. (in writing)

It is said that Americans tend to use 'were' where the British use 'was'.

CJ

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