The Conditional: Type Two (Second Conditional) - Examples & Exercises

 

Second Conditional (Conditional Type 2)

We use the Second Conditional to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations in the present or future — ones that are unlikely or even impossible.

Examples:

• If I lived by the sea, I would go surfing every day.

• If she had more free time, she’d learn to play the piano.

• I wouldn’t stress so much if I were on vacation.

Structure:

• If + Past Simple, Would + Infinitive

When using the verb be with "if," the grammatically correct form is:

• If I/he/she/it were... (especially in formal English).
  However, in everyday conversation, using was (e.g., "If she was...") is also commonly accepted.

More Examples:

• If I were in your position, I wouldn’t quit the job.

• If he was more organized, he wouldn’t miss deadlines.

• She would adopt a dog if she weren’t allergic.

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Exercise – Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets:

1. If I ___________ (know) how to cook, I ___________ (make) dinner every night.

2. They ___________ (take) more photos if they ___________ (have) a better camera.

3. If we ___________ (own) a boat, we ___________ (sail) every weekend.

4. She ___________ (join) the team if she ___________ (be) more confident.

5. If you ___________ (not stay up) so late, you ___________ (feel) more energetic.

6. I ___________ (visit) Paris if I ___________ (get) a few days off work.

7. If he ___________ (understand) the topic, he ___________ (explain) it to us.

8. We ___________ (not forget) her birthday if we ___________ (write) it down.

9. If my brother ___________ (like) spicy food, he ___________ (eat) with us tonight.

10. They ___________ (come) hiking with us if the weather ___________ (be) nicer.