Second Conditional

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

A 2023 Gallup survey found that 59 percent of global employees described themselves as quiet quitting. Many were waiting for a better opportunity. If someone offered them a role with stronger workplace culture and real promotion prospects, most said they would leave immediately.

Grammar Reference · Second Conditional

Second conditional —

If she had more time, she would apply for the role. — if + past simple, would + base verb

What it means

If I knew the answer, I would tell you. — unreal or hypothetical present/future situation

Would vs might

If he left, they might offer him a better deal. — might = less certain result

Common error

If I would have time... ✗ → If I had time... ✓ — never would in the if-clause

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Second Conditional

1.If she more qualifications, she would apply for the senior role.

2.He would set up a business if he enough savings.

3.If the company a better workplace culture, more people would stay.

4.They would switch careers if the labour market more options.

5.If I you, I would ask for a promotion before looking elsewhere.

6.She would feel much more job satisfaction if her manager her work.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.I don't have more free time, so I don't look for new opportunities.

2.She doesn't know the CEO, so she can't ask for advice.

3.He doesn't earn enough, so he doesn't set up a business.

4.They don't offer remote work, so I don't apply.

5.We don't have a bigger team, so we can't take on new clients.

6.I'm not fluent in English, so I don't feel confident in meetings.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Second Conditional01EnglishPlans.com