Second Conditional: Unlikely and Hypothetical Situations in the Present and Future
Now you’ve got a better understanding of zero conditionals and first conditionals, it’s time to move onto the second conditional, something which tends to pose greater issues for C1 learners. Take a look at the following examples and try answering the questions below by selecting the correct options to complete the rules.
(1) My car is at the garage so I can’t give you a lift . If it weren’t (in the garage), I could give you a lift.
(2) My car is being repaired this weekend so I won’t be able to give you a lift on Saturday. If it weren’t (being repaired), I would be able to give you a lift.
During the exam, you will be required to show that you have a strong command of English grammatical forms expected of you at C1 level. This may well include conditionals so it’s worth practising formulating your own sentences to build confidence. For each of the situations on the following cards, have a go at formulating your own sentences using a second conditional before turning them to see some examples.
Task Tips
When in the exam, it is important to use grammatical forms which are expected of you from Cambridge English, and this includes when you are using the verb 'to be' in the condition clause of a second conditional.
In the exam, always use 'were' even when the subject is in the third person, especially in the Use of English and Writing papers. This can be confusing as you will often hear English people using 'was', but this is technically incorrect, particularly in formal contexts.
Incorrect: If I was you, I would speak to him.
Correct: If I were you, I would speak to him.
With the above in mind, complete the following sentences by filling the gaps with the correct form of the verb in brackets.