Questions for practicing the second conditional forms:
- If you could learn one skill, what would it be?
- If you could sing really well, what would you do?
- If you won the lottery, what would you do?
- What would you do if you could speak English perfectly?
- If you were a millionaire, what would you spend your money on?
- If you were a leader of your country, what would you try to change?
- If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
- What would you do if you were invisible for one day?
- If you could change any law, what would you change?
- If you could change jobs, what would you do instead?
- What meals would you prepare if you were a cook?
- What would you do if you had more free time?
- If you could speak three other languages, what would they be?
- What would you do if you found a burglar in your house?
- If you changed your name, what name would you choose?
- What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
- What would you do with another hour a day?
- What would you do if you found a one hundred dollar note on a sidewalk?
- What would you do if the lift got stuck between two floors?
- What would you do if you were kidnapped?
- What would you do if you could stop time?
- If you had a minor car accident, what would you do first?
- If you could be another person for a day, who would you be?
- What would you do if you could fly?
Some useful videos on the second conditional:
When do we use the second conditional?
The second conditional is used to describe hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future and their possible outcomes. It is often used to imagine scenarios that are contrary to reality or improbable.
Structure of the Second Conditional
- If-clause: Uses the past simple tense.
- Main clause: Uses “would” (or could/might) + base verb.
Example:
If I won the lottery, I would buy a new house.
The Use of The Second Conditional
Rules for Using the Second Conditional
Expressing Hypothetical Situations
Use the second conditional to talk about things that are unlikely or impossible in the present or future.
Example: If I were taller, I would play basketball.
Imaginative Scenarios
Use it for unreal or imaginary situations.
Example: If I were an animal, I would be a dolphin.
Polite Suggestions or Advice
It can offer polite or indirect advice.
Example: If I were you, I would talk to the teacher.
Verb Form in the If-Clause
Use the past simple tense.
Example: If she had more time, she would travel more.
Verb Form in the Main Clause
Use “would” (or sometimes “could” or “might”) followed by the base form of the verb.
Example: If I knew her address, I would send her an invitation.
“Were” for All Subjects
“Were” is often used instead of “was” in formal English for all subjects in hypothetical situations.
Example: If I were rich, I would buy a yacht.
(However, “If I was rich” is also common in informal speech.)