If I had... If we went...

This lesson compares two common conditional structures used to talk about hypothetical situations: the second conditional (If + past simple → would + base verb) for present or future unreal situations, and the third conditional (If + past perfect → would have + past participle) for unreal situations in the past.

• Second conditional: talk about unlikely or imagined present/future events.
• Third conditional: talk about imagined past events and their consequences.
• We will practice forms, word order, and common errors.

Both structures are essential for expressing hypotheticals in professional contexts (e.g., negotiating, planning, explaining missed opportunities).

Remember the verb forms and the optional comma when starting with the if-clause:

• Second conditional: If + past simple → would + base verb (If I were you, I would accept the offer.)
• Third conditional: If + past perfect → would have + past participle (If I had known, I would have prepared.)
• If-clause first → use a comma. If-clause second → no comma.

Use 'were' for all persons in formal second conditional statements (If I were...).

Watch out for these universal errors when using conditionals:

• Using 'would' in the if-clause (Wrong: If I would have more time...).
• Mixing past simple and past perfect incorrectly (Wrong pairing of verb forms).
• Using 'will' in the if-clause for unreal present/future situations (Wrong: If I will have time...).
• Incorrect word order when forming a question or inversion after 'if' (e.g., If had I...).

Check the verb form in both clauses: if-clause form determines the result clause form.