Segundo condicional (if + pasado)

El segundo condicional expresa situaciones irreales o poco probables en el presente o futuro. Forma: if + past simple, would + verbo. Equivale a «si tuviera…, haría…».

Notas

• La forma de pasado no indica tiempo pasado: muestra que la situación es imaginada.
• If I were you (yo que tú) es la forma habitual de aconsejar.
• would nunca va en la oración con if: If I would have ✗.

Ejemplos

• If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.Si me tocara la lotería, viajaría por el mundo.
• What would you do if you lost your job?¿Qué harías si perdieras el trabajo?
• If I knew her number, I would call her.Si supiera su número, la llamaría.
• If I were you, I’d ask the landlord.Yo que tú, se lo preguntaría al casero.
• If I had a car, I would drive to work.Si tuviera coche, iría al trabajo en coche.

Errores comunes

• ✗ If I would have money, I would buy it.✓ If I had money, I would buy it.Would no va en la parte del if: ahí se usa el past simple had.
• ✗ If I would be you, I would go.✓ If I were you, I would go.En la parte del if se usa were y no would be, como en el español yo que tú.
• ✗ If I have money, I would buy it.✓ If I had money, I would buy it.El segundo condicional usa el past simple en el if, y no el present simple.
• ✗ If he knew, he will tell.✓ If he knew, he would tell.La parte principal del segundo condicional lleva would, no will.
• ✗ What would you do if you would win?✓ What would you do if you won?Would no va dentro del if: se usa el past simple won.