Second Conditional: Form and Practice Exercises

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