This document provides examples and explanations of how to use the second conditional to talk about unlikely or imaginary situations. The second conditional uses the structure "if + past tense, would + base verb" to talk about situations that are unlikely or impossible. Examples are given such as "If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world" to demonstrate talking about unlikely present or future situations. Other modal verbs like "could" and "might" can also be used instead of "would". Exercises are provided to practice forming second conditional sentences.

2. If + past simple/continuous + wouldIf + past simple/continuous + would
If I didn´t havedidn´t have to work, I would spendwould spend a
few years travelling around the world.

3. We use the second conditional to talk
about situations or actions in the present
or future, which are not likely to happenare not likely to happen
or are imaginary, hypothetical oror are imaginary, hypothetical or
impossible.impossible.
It is also used to give advice.

4. IfIf I wonwon the lottery, I wouldwould travel around
the world and buy a castle in Norway.
I think that it is very unlikely to win the
lottery. However, in this unlikely condition,
I will travel and buy a castle.

5. IfIf I wasn't watchingwasn't watching TV now, I wouldwould be playing
football.
I am watching TV, and imagining what I would do if
I wasn't.
IfIf I werewere an alien, I wouldwould be able to travel
around the universe.
It is impossible for me to be an alien. However, I
am imagining what I would do in this situation.

6. IfIf I werewere you, I´d learnI´d learn Chinese.
IfIf I werewere you, I´d changeI´d change my lifestile.

7. We can use other modal verbs in place
of 'would'.
IfIf I hadhad more money, I couldcould buy a car.
Buying a car would be possible
IfIf I wonwon the lottery, I mightmight give all the
money to charity.
Giving the money to charity is only a
possibility

8. Let’s practise!
Fill the blanks to make second conditionals
1) If I ______(be) you, I _____(get) a new job.
were / would get
2) If he ______(be) younger, he ____ (travel) more.
was or were / would travel
3) If we ___(not/be) friends, I __(be) angry with you.
weren’t / would be
4) If I ___(have) enough money, I ___(buy) a big house.
had / would buy
5) She ___(be) promoted if she ___(not/be) always so late.
would be / wasn’t or weren’t
6) We ___(travel) the world if we ___(win) the lottery,
would travel / won