Second Conditional

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Not every language has a word for 'career'. In Arabic, mihna is closer to vocation. More workers today want a lattice, not a ladder. If you could redesign your working life from scratch, which word would you build it around?

Grammar Reference · Second Conditional

Second conditional —

If I had more time, I would change careers. — if + past simple, would + base verb

could / might instead

If she left her job, she might find something better. — might/could = less certain result

were for all persons

If he were in your position, he would take the leap. — 'were' replaces 'was' in formal use

Common error

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

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Second Conditional

1.If Keiko (have) more job security, she would take the leap.

2.If the labour market (reward) craftspeople, more people would choose that path.

3.If I were you, I (not / stay) in a job with no intrinsic motivation.

4.If he (be) in a better position, he could set up a business.

5.If they understood the trade-off, they (make) a more informed decision.

6.If she (not / have) to support her family, she might pursue her passion.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.If I would have more time, I would retrain as a chef.

2.If she was in your position, she will take the promotion.

3.If they don't have so many bills, they might leave their jobs.

4.What would you do if you will lose your job tomorrow?

5.If he would work fewer hours, he could spend more time on his craft.

6.I would feel more motivated if my work was more meaningful for me.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

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

Second Conditional01EnglishPlans.com