Page 53 - English Expedition Class 6

Each of these sentences talks of a future condition which is quite unlikely to happen. These sentences
which talk of future events that are unlikely to happen are called second conditionals. In these
sentences, we use the simple past tense in the if-clause and would + base form of the verb in the
main clause.

We can use the modal verbs should, could or might instead of would to talk of possibility, permission
or ability.
If I wrote fast, I might attempt all the questions. (possibility)
If she wanted to, she could write a novel. (ability)

The second conditional has these uses:

to talk about things in the future that are If I won a lottery, I would give all the money to
probably not going to happen the poor.

to talk about something in the present which If I drove a car, I would drop you there.
is impossible, because it is not true

to give advice which may or may not work If you practised more sums, you would do
better in the test.

Use of Be in the Second Conditional

The verb be has a special rule when used in second conditionals. We use the simple past tense in the
if-clause in second conditionals to show that something is impossible or unreal.

If I were you, I would apologize. (But I am not you.)

If she were smart, she would move out. (But she is not smart.)
If they were here, they would never agree. (But they are not here.)

A. Use the correct form of the verbs in brackets to form the second conditional in each of these
sentences.
1. If I __________________ (be) you, I __________________ (laugh).

2. If you __________________ (take) a vacation, you __________________ (feel) better.

3. Raina __________________ (call) her if she __________________ (have) her number.
4. Yash __________________ (be) terrifi ed if he __________________ (know) the truth.

5. If she __________________ (be) an actress, she __________________ (be) famous.

6. I __________________ (beat) Roger Federer if I __________________ (play) tennis.

B. Complete the sentences by adding fi rst/second conditionals of your own. Use the hints
given to help you.
1. You would fall ill _________________________________________. (cold water)

2. _________________________________________, you will lose your way. (be careful in the
woods)
43