Second Conditional Questions Exercises: Form and Practice Quiz

What is the general definition of the second conditional?

How can you recognize a question asked with the second conditional?

Which tense is generally used in the 'if' clause of the second conditional?

What type of form is often included in the second conditional along with the present simple?

In the sentence 'If she went to London last year, __ she would speak better English now.', what should fill in the blank?

Which option correctly completes this sentence in the second conditional: 'If my brother were smarter, __ I would feel challenged.'?

What should complete this sentence using the second conditional: 'If they practiced more often, __ they achieve their goals.'?

Introduction

The second conditional is commonly used when talking about hypothetical situations or unlikely events. A general definition of this modal verb is: "I wish I had done something." This condition also indicates that the action would have been possible in the present or past, but it wasn't actually performed. Here's how you can recognize a question asked with the second conditional: it always starts with the phrase 'if...'.

Form

In the second conditional, we generally use the if + present simple form and often include a present perfect form. For example, "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house." In this sentence, 'won' is in the present simple tense, while 'would buy' is in the present perfect continuous form.

To create questions using the second conditional, follow these patterns: Present simple + if + present simple = Present perfect continuous. For example: "If he studied harder, he would pass his exams."

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose correct forms to complete each sentence.

If she went to London last year, __ she would speak better English now.
If my brother was taller, __ I wouldn't feel so short around him.
If you study every day, __ you will achieve your goals much faster.

Answers: She went; He feels; You study

Learn about the second conditional which is used to talk about hypothetical situations or unlikely events. Understand the form of the second conditional with examples, and practice creating sentences using this structure. Test your knowledge with practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.