Second Conditional

Introduction
The second conditional (also called conditional type 2) is a structure used for talking about unreal situations in the present or in the future. This page will explain how the second conditional is formed, and when to use it.

The structure of a second conditional sentence

Like a first conditional, a second conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an if clause and a main clause: IF clause main clause If I had a million dollars, I would buy a big house. If the if clause comes first, a comma is usually used. If the if clause comes second, there is no need for a comma: IF clause main clause I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. We use different verb forms in each part of a second conditional: IF clause if + subject + simple past verb* main clause subject + would + verb *Note that this "simple past" form is slightly different from usual in the case of the verb BE. Whatever the subject, the verb form is "were", not "was": If I were rich, I'd buy a big house.

Using the second conditional

The second conditional is used to talk about things which are unreal (not true or not possible) in the present or the future -- things which don't or won't happen: Example Explanation If I were you, I would drive more carefully in the I am not you this is unreal. rain. Jan will not leave that's not going to Paula would be sad if Jan left. happen. If dogs had wings, they would be able to fly. Dogs don't have wings that's impossible.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

1. If her hair were black, she ________ completely different. 1. look 2. will look 3. would look 4. looks

2. We would learn a lot from dolphins if they ________. 1. can talk 2. talk 3. will talk 4. could talk

3. He's so stupid! If he ________ an animal, he would be a sheep. 1. is 2. would be 3. were 4. are 5. was 4. If I ________ a penny for every can of soda I've drunk in my life, I would be rich!

1. 2. 3. 4.

had will have would have have

5. If the weather ________ better, we ________ to the park. 1. were... will go 2. was... go 3. were... would go 4. is... would go

6. We'd be on the beach if we ________ in Mexico! 1. would be 2. were 3. will be 4. are

7. We don't mind camping, but if we ________ enough money, we ________ in a hotel.

1. 2. 3. 4.

have... stayed would have...stayed had... would stay had... stayed

8. If smoking were allowed, I ________ a cigarette. 1. will have 2. had 3. have 4. would have

9. If there ________ no mosquitos, there would be no malaria. 1. was 2. would be 3. were 4. is 5. are

10. If he were a young man, he ________ able to walk faster. 1. is 2. will be 3. was 4. would be

Second Conditional 2
Type the correct form of each verb.
Each of these sentences is a second conditional. Complete the sentences and copy them.

1. If Joe 2. It 3. I 4. If I 5. If this tent 6. I 7. If I

(be) here, he (be) nice if the rain (sing) you a song if I

(catch) some fish for supper. (stop)! (have) my guitar. (not feel) so cold. (have to sleep) outside!

(have) a better sleeping bag, I (be) any smaller, one of us (look) out for bears if I (not be) so hungry, I (be) you!

(share) my beans with you.

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