Learning English

Would it be easier if you studied a bit more?

So far we've looked at the different parts of second conditional sentences. Now it's time to focus on how we make them, in positive, negative and question forms.

Read the summary here and then do the activity. Can you get all the questions right?

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Remember that second conditional sentences have two parts:

We use the past simple in the if part - but second conditional sentences aren't about the past. We use the past form to show that the situation isn't real. The would part tells us the result of this imaginary situation.

We also sometimes use were instead of was in the if part of a second conditional sentence. The meaning is the same, but when we use were, the sentence sounds more formal.

• If it were time to leave, I'd go.
• We'd have lunch outside if it weren't raining.

Here are some examples in positive, negative and question forms for you to learn.

Positive

If we recycled more, there would be less waste.  
We'd feel better if we ate more healthily.

Negative

She would be happier if she didn't work so hard.
If you weren't so rude,people would like you more.
There wouldn't be so much litter if we all recycled more.

Question

Would the world be better if we all spoke the same language?                                
If animals ruled the world, what would they do?

Short answers

In short answers, you use would/wouldn't.

If you needed some money, would you ask your parents?
Yes, I would. / No, I wouldn't.

To do

Try to make the correct form in this second conditional quiz!

Next

Session 2 is almost over, but maybe if you studied a bit more, the second conditional would be easier to understand. We can help you with that! Go to 6 Minute Grammar in the next activity and Catherine and Rob will help you understand all about the second conditional.