Second conditional

The second conditional is a structure used to talk about impossible or imaginary situations.

If I won a lot of money I’d travel the world.
Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
If he didn’t argue with everyone all the time, he would have a more relaxed life.

To form the second conditional we use: If+past simple and would+infinitive

It is not important which clause is first.

Here are conditional sentences:

If it's a nice day tomorrow, we'll go swimming. – THIS SITUATION IS POSSIBLE.

If I weren't/wasn't at work, I'd be on the beach. – THIS SITUATION IS IMAGINARY – the speaker is at work.

Many conditional sentences use if + will/would. However conditional sentences can also use other words instead of 'if' – 'when' 'as soon as' 'in case'. Other modal verbs can be used instead of 'will/would' –  'can/could', 'may' 'might'.

Lesson by Tristan

Choose the correct sentence that expresses an impossible or imaginary (unreal) situation – second conditional.

• 1 - Which is correct?
  
  If I have enough money, I will go and live in Rome.
  If I had enough money, I would go and live in Rome.
  
  
• 2 - Which is correct?
  
  When he has enough free time he practices the piano.
  If he had enough free time to practice, he would be a good pianist.
  
  
• 3 - Which is correct?
  
  If I have the right qualifications I'll get a good job.
  If I had the right qualifications I would get a good job.
  
  
• 4 - Which is correct?
  
  What do you do when you don't have to go to work?
  What would you do if you didn't need to work?
  
  
• 5 - Which is correct?
  
  Would she still be with him if she knew his real character?
  Will she still be with him when she finds out his real character?
  
  
• 6 - Which is correct?
  
  I will take a holiday when I'm not too busy.
  I would love to take a holiday but I'm too busy.