THE SECOND CONDITIONAL

IF + SUBJECT + PAST SIMPLE , SUBJECT + WOULD + INFINITIVE

SUBJECT + WOULD + INFINITIVE + IF + SUBJECT + PAST S.

The Second Conditional is used to talk about ’impossible’ situations.

• If we were in London today, we would be able to go to the concert in Hyde Park.
• If I had millions dollars, I’d give a lot to charity.
• If there were no hungry people in this world, it would be a much better place.
• If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease

Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was'.

• If she were happy in her job, she wouldn’t be looking for another one.
• If I lived in Japan, I’d have sushi every day.
• If they were to enter our market, we’d have big problems.

Note the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.

• If I were you, I’d look for a new place to live.
• If I were you, I’d go back to school and get more qualifications.

The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.

• If I went to China, I’d visit the Great Wall.
• If I was the President, I’d reduce taxes.
• If you were in my position, you’d understand.

Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.

• If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.
• If she were coming, she would be here by now.
• If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.

Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might'.

• If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.
• If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.
• If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.

Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.

• What would I do without you? ("if you weren’t here")
• Where would I get one at this time of night? ("if I wanted one")
• He wouldn’t agree. ("if I asked him")

exercise 1

exercise 2

exercise 3

exercise 4

exercise 5

exercise 6

1 comentario

[Naiara 6ºc - 09 de diciembre de 2010 - 20:34]

This exercises are really good,¿dont you think that?.I´m doing them for tomorrows exam.But Estíbaliz,exercise 3,4 and 6 I think they are the same.Because I did them and I saw it and they were equal.Bye and THAAANNNKKKSSSS!ESTIBALIZ YOU ARE THE ONLY TEACHER THET IS LOOKING AFTER US FOR STUDYING.