Second Conditional

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Among office workers, 71% said they would pursue a passion if they could qualify for a new role. Workers aged 25–34 were the most likely: 68% said they would try a different field if they had financial security.

Grammar Reference · Second Conditional

Second conditional

If I had more time, I would study design. — if + past simple, would + base verb

could / might as

If she retrained, she could find a new job. — could/might = less certain than would

Question form

Would you change careers if you had the chance? — invert would + subject in questions

Common error

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

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Second Conditional

1.If I (have) more confidence, I would apply for the retraining programme.

2.She would pursue a passion if she (not / need) to worry about money.

3. you give up your salary if you could qualify for your dream job?

4.If he (have) entry-level experience, the company might hire him.

5.They would set up a business if they (find) the right partner.

6.If she took the leap, she (could / work) on her own career path.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.I don't have time, so I can't retrain.

2.She isn't confident, so she won't take the leap.

3.He doesn't earn enough, so he can't give up his salary.

4.They don't know the industry, so they might not switch careers.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

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