Second Conditional Exercises - A2 Grammar Lesson

Second Conditional – Exercises

These exercises focus on Second Conditional

TLDR

✔️ Second Conditional = Imaginary situations (If + Past, Would + Verb)
✔️ NEVER use "would" in the if-clause!
✔️ Use "were" instead of "was" in formal English
✔️ "Could" and "might" are possible instead of "would"

What Is the Second Conditional?

The Second Conditional is used for:
✔️ Imaginary situations → "If I were rich, I would travel the world."
✔️ Unreal possibilities → "If she had wings, she could fly."
✔️ Advice & polite suggestions → "If I were you, I would take the job."

📌 Fun Fact: The Second Conditional talks about impossible or unlikely situations, while the First Conditional talks about possible ones!

Second Conditional Structure

👉 If + past simple, would + base verb

✔️ Examples:

If I won the lottery, I would buy a house. (Imaginary situation)
If she studied harder, she would get better grades. (Unreal possibility)
If we lived in Paris, we would eat croissants every day. (Hypothetical life)

📌 Tip: The "if" clause describes the condition (Past Simple), and the main clause shows the result (Would + Base Verb).

Variations of the Second Conditional

🔹 Using "could" or "might" instead of "would"
✔️ If I had more time, I could learn Spanish. (Ability)
✔️ If she tried harder, she might win. (Possibility)

🔹 Using "were" instead of "was"
✔️ If I were you, I would take the job.
✔️ If he were taller, he could be a basketball player.

📌 Tip: In formal English, we use "were" instead of "was" with I, he, she, it in Second Conditional sentences.

Second Conditional vs. First Conditional

Feature	Second Conditional	First Conditional
Meaning	Hypothetical or unreal situations	Possible future situations
Tense	If + Past Simple, Would + Base Verb	If + Present Simple, Will + Base Verb
Example	If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.	If I win the lottery, I will buy a house.
Certainty	Very unlikely or impossible	Possible

📌 Tip: Use Second Conditional when something is unlikely or imaginary, and First Conditional when it’s realistic.

Common Mistakes in Second Conditional

Mistake	Incorrect	Correct
Using "would" in the if-clause	If she would study, she would pass.	If she studied, she would pass.
Using present tense in the if-clause	If I win the lottery, I would buy a house.	If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
Using "was" instead of "were" (formal English)	If I was rich, I would travel.	If I were rich, I would travel.
Using First Conditional structure for unreal situations	If I see a ghost, I would run away.	If I saw a ghost, I would run away.

📌 Rule: NEVER use "would" after "if"! The if-clause is always in past simple.

Compare other Conditionals: First Conditional, Third Conditional, Mixed Conditionals.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Second Conditional

Can I use "will" instead of "would"?

➡️ No! The Second Conditional uses "would", not "will."

❌ If I had more money, I will buy a car.
✅ If I had more money, I would buy a car.

Can I use "was" instead of "were"?

➡️ In formal English, use "were" for all subjects.

✔️ If I were you, I would accept the offer.
✔️ If he were taller, he could play basketball.

📌 But in informal English, "was" is sometimes used.

Can I use "could" or "might" instead of "would"?

➡️ Yes!

✔️ If I had more time, I could learn another language.
✔️ If it were warmer, we might go swimming.

What’s the difference between First and Second Conditional?

➡️ First Conditional = Possible Future
➡️ Second Conditional = Hypothetical (Unreal)

✔️ First Conditional: If I find $100, I will buy a gift. (Possible)
✔️ Second Conditional: If I found $100, I would save it. (Unreal)

Can I use "unless" in the Second Conditional?

➡️ Yes, but it’s rare!

✔️ Unless I had a car, I wouldn’t drive to work.
(= If I didn’t have a car, I wouldn’t drive.)