Knowledge About the Second Conditional + Exercises with Answers

The second conditional is part of the essential knowledge about conditional sentences that you need to understand clearly to avoid confusion when using them. In this article, PREP will share detailed information on the structure, usage, and practice exercises of the second conditional. Let's take a look!

I. What is the Second Conditional?

The second conditional is a type of sentence used to describe an action/event/situation that is unlikely to happen in the future based on a specific unreal condition in the present. For example:

• If Jenny spoke English well, she would have a good job. 

  • Condition clause: If Jenny spoke English well.

  • Result clause: she would have a good job.

• If it rained, you would get wet.

  • Condition clause: If it rained.

  • Result clause: you would get wet.

II. Structure of Second Conditional Sentences

The second conditional, like other conditional sentences, consists of two clauses. One is the "if" clause that describes the condition, and the other is the main clause that expresses the result. The structure of the second conditional is as follows:

Note: It is common for native speakers to use the verb "to be" as "were" for all subjects instead of "was." For example:

• If I were you, I would take that job offer. 

• If she were here, she would know what to do.

III. Usage of the Second Conditional

Let’s explore how to use the structure of the second conditional with PREP below!

1. To express an unreal assumption in the present

The second conditional is often used to talk about current situations that are unreal or unlikely to happen. For example:

• If I were rich, I would travel around the world. 

• If I were a millionaire, I would buy all my favorite food.

2. To give advice

The second conditional is also used to give advice or seek someone else's advice. For example:

• If I were you, I wouldn’t buy this laptop. 

• What would you do if you were me? 

• What would you do if you had to do this exam?

3. To make a request or suggestion

The second conditional can be used to make a polite request or suggestion to someone. For example:

• It would be great if Jenny could do all the tasks tonight. 

• If you could pass the salt, I would appreciate it.

4. To decline someone’s offer

You can use the second conditional to explain why you cannot do something or to turn down someone's offer. For example:

• If I had enough time, I would help you do housework. 

• If I had more free time, I would help you with your project, but unfortunately, I'm too busy right now. 

IV. Variations of the Second Conditional

Let’s explore the variations of the second conditional with PREP below!

1. Variation of the Main Clause

2. Variation of the "If" Clause

V. Inversion in Second Conditional Sentences

In addition to the standard structures of the second conditional, there is also an inversion structure that frequently appears. Let’s explore the inversion structure of the second conditional with PREP below:

Were + Subject + (not) + Object, Subject + would/might/could + Base Form of the Verb

Note:

• If the sentence contains the verb "were," you place "were" at the beginning.

• If the sentence does not contain the verb "were," you use "were" and apply "to + Base Form of the Verb."

For example:

• Were I you, I wouldn’t choose this car. 

• Were I to learn Korean, I would read a Korean book. 

VI. Exercises on the Second Conditional

To solidify your understanding of the concepts and formulas of the second conditional, let’s work on a few small exercises together!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct option for the sentences.

1. If Jenny (were/was/would be) ____ rich, she (will try/would try/tried) ____ to help the poor people.

2. What (would Anna do/will Anna do/did Anna do) ____ if she (see/would see/saw) ____ a spider in her shoes?

3. If John (was/would be/were) ____ you, he (asked/would ask/will ask) ____ for the answer to this question.

4. If Sara (finded/would find/found) ____ money in the street, she (would take/took/taked) ____ it to the police.

5. If Peter (were/was/would be) ____ a color, he (is/would be/were) ____ orange.

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms.

1. If Anna (start) ____ at once, she (arrive) ____ there in the afternoon.

2. Jenny (be) ____ sick if she (eat) ____ all these ice cream.

3. If John (lose) ____ his glasses, he ____ (not be) able to read. 

4. If the weather (get) ____ warmer, Sara (buy) ____a new dress.

5. If I (have) ....................... a lot of money, I (buy) ....................... a yacht.

2. Answer keys

This article provides all the detailed knowledge about the second conditional that PREP has compiled for you. Save it for review for your IELTS or TOEIC exams! Wishing you all the best!