Second Conditional, 1

 
 
 
 
The second conditional expresses an unrealistic or imaginary condition and its probable result.

Form of the Second Conditional

If + noun + verb-2, subject + would + verb-1.
Subject + would + verb-1 if + noun + verb-2.

Examples:
● If I won a million dollars in the lottery, I would/could pay off all my debts.
● If I were you, I would study information technology.
● Many people would live here if there were enough water.

Yes-No Questions

If + noun + verb-2, would + subject + verb-1?

Examples:
● Would you marry a Hollywood Star if you had the chance?
● If Daniel were president, would he really improve things?
● If women controlled all governments, would there be less conflicts?
 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 

 

Answer or respond to the following. Say why and give examples.

Personal

1. If I had all the (free) time in the world, I would . . . . . .

2. If I found Aladdin’s Lamp, I would wish for . . . . . What would your friend do?

3. If you won $10 million in the lottery, what would you do?

4. Would your colleague change his or her appearance if he or she could? If your friend could change his or her appearance, what would he or she do?

5. Where would you live if you could live anywhere you wanted, as a citizen of that place?

6. If your friends could be born again, would they change anything (in terms of gender, environment, family, social status)? If yes, what changes would they like to have?
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Abilities, Talents, Intelligence

7. What would you do if you could learn and master any professional, business or technical skill quickly, easily and effortlessly?

8. If you or your friend could perform any sport, hobby, art, singing, dancing, play a musical instrument or have any adventure, what would you or he or she do?

9. You have been struck by lightning. When you recover, you have become a genius with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 190! If you were a genius, what would you do?

10. If you could ask any questions or know anything, what things would you like to know?