The Second Conditional

The second conditional uses the past simple after if, then 'would' and the infinitive:

if + past simple, ...would + infinitive

(We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal
writing).

It has two uses.

First, we can use it to talk about things in the future that are probably not going to be
true. Maybe I'm imagining some dream for example.

If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.(I probably won't win the lottery)
If I met the Queen of England, I would say hello.
She would travel all over the world if she were rich.
She would pass the exam if she ever studied.(She never studies, so this won't
happen)

Second, we can use it to talk about something in the present which is impossible,
because it's not true. Is that clear? Have a look at the examples:

If I had his number, I would call him. (I don't have his number now, so it's
impossible for me to call him).
If I were you, I wouldn't go out with that man.

I. Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type II) by putting the verbs into the correct
form. Use conditional I with would in the main clause.

1. If we (have) had a yacht, we (sail) would sail the seven seas.

2. If he (have) _____________more time, he (learn) _________________karate.
3. If they (tell) ___________their father, he (be) ___________very angry.
4. She (spend) __________a year in the USA if it (be) _________easier to get a green
card.
5. If I (live) _________on a lonely island, I (run) __________around naked all day.
6. We (help) __________you if we (know) _____________how.
7. My brother (buy) ___________a sports car if he (have) ____________the money.
8. If I (feel) ____________better, I (go) _____________to the cinema with you.
9. If you (go) ___________by bike more often, you (be / not) ____________so flabby.
10. She (not / talk) ____________to you if she (be) ___________mad at you.

Ingls II Mg. Nancy Len P.

If I had much If I had much
money I would money I
buy many dresses. would buy a
new car.

II. Make ten sentences using second conditionals.

1. ____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________
7. _____________________________________________________________
8. _____________________________________________________________
9. _____________________________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________________________

Ingls II Mg. Nancy Len P.