Second Conditional

Reference

Common mistakes

1. If I would have more money, I would buy a bike. → If I had more money, I would buy a bike.
   never would in the if-clause
2. If I won the lottery, I will buy a house. → If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
   past in the if-clause → would in the result
3. If I am you, I would apologise. → If I were you, I would apologise.
   advice: If I were you
4. If she knew, she would to tell us. → If she knew, she would tell us.
   would + base verb, no to

Second Conditional — Exercises

Complete with the second conditional

Use the verbs in brackets. Both blanks in each sentence.

1. I   the train, if I   you. (not catch, be)
2. If you   more exercise, you   better. (do, feel)
3. I   her to my account if I   her name. (add, know)
4. Betty   her family on holiday if she   the lottery. (take, win)
5. If I   a famous actor, I   him lots of questions. (meet, ask)

Choose the correct form

Circle the correct option.

1. What would you wish if you have / had three wishes? (had / have)
2. If we buy / bought a TV, we could watch the Olympic games. (bought / buy)
3. If you gave me your address, I will be able / could send someone to help. (could / will be able)
4. Suppose you had to move abroad, what would you do / will you do first?
5. If the flowers were dry, will you / would you water them? (would you / will you)

Second Conditional — Answer Key

Complete with the second conditional

1. wouldn't catch · were
2. did · would feel
3. would add · knew
4. would take · won
5. met · would ask

Choose the correct form

1. had — Imaginary (you don't have three wishes) → if you had.
2. bought — Second conditional → past simple in the if-clause: bought.
3. could — if + past simple → could / would in the result, not will: could.
4. would you do — Suppose = imagine → would you do.
5. would you — Past simple in the if-clause → would you in the result.