Grammar Worksheet

Second Conditional: Imaginary Situations

B1–B2 if + past simple, would + base verb

Explanation

Use the second conditional for imaginary, hypothetical, or unlikely situations in the present or future.

The ‘if’ clause uses past simple. The main clause uses would + base verb.

‘If I were you’ is a common expression — use ‘were’ with all subjects in formal English.

Form

If clause		Main clause
if + past simple	→	would + base verb
If I had more time,	→	I would learn Spanish.
Main clause first:	→	I would learn Spanish if I had more time.

⚠ Do NOT use ‘would’ in the if-clause: ✗ If I would have money → ✓ If I had money

⚠ No ‘to’ after ‘would’: ✗ I would to go → ✓ I would go • Contraction: ‘d = would

Examples

Common Mistakes

If I would have more money, I would travel. → If I had more money, I would travel. Never use ‘would’ in the ‘if’ clause — use the past simple.
If she has a car, she would drive to work. → If she had a car, she would drive to work. The if-clause needs the past simple (‘had’), not the present simple (‘has’).
I would to go to Paris if I had time. → I would go to Paris if I had time. No ‘to’ after ‘would’ — use the base verb directly.
If I am rich, I would buy a yacht. → If I were rich, I would buy a yacht. Use ‘were’, not ‘am’, in second conditional if-clauses.

Exercises

1 Complete the sentence

Write the correct form of the verb in brackets.

2 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

3 Complete the result

Complete each sentence with your own idea. Use ‘would / wouldn’t’.

If I spoke perfect English, _____. → … I would move to London.

4 Your wishes

Write four second conditional sentences about your own wishes or hypothetical choices.

5 Write the sentence

Use the prompts to write a complete second conditional sentence.

she / speak English / apply for the job → If she spoke English, she would apply for the job.

Speaking Activity

Ask your partner these hypothetical questions and discuss your answers.

Ask follow-up questions: Why? How much? Who with? What would happen next?