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[C-C+] Conditionals (Second and Third)

LET'S READ! 📖

Direction: Read the conversation below then answer the questions being asked.

Second and Third Conditionals

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

If I were the CEO of this company, I would implement flexible work hours and create a more positive work environment.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

That's a great idea! If I had the power, I would also focus on promoting a better work-life balance for employees. It's essential for their overall well-being and productivity.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Absolutely! If employees had more control over their schedules, they would have the freedom to manage personal commitments while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

I completely agree. If the work environment fostered a healthy work-life balance, it would lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout among employees.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

And if employees felt more valued and supported, they would be motivated to give their best and contribute to the company's success.

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

That's true. If the company prioritized employee development and provided opportunities for growth, it would not only benefit individuals but also enhance the overall skill set of the organization.

QUESTION

1. What changes would Anna implement if she were the CEO of the company?

2. Why does Melly think promoting a better work-life balance is important?

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Second Conditional

  1. Use the second conditional for events and situations which are unlikely, imaginary or impossible in the present and future.

    Example:

  • If I didn't like anything on the menu, I would go home.

    • Unlikely: there is usually something I like

  • I would run away if I saw a fire.

    • Imaginary: Tim is imagining a fire that might happen in the future

  • If I was the chef, I wouldn't give John the job.

    • Impossible: you are not the chef

  1. In second conditional sentences, use if + past tense ... would + infinitive without to. We can use the short forms 'd for would and wouldn't for would not.

    Example:

  • If the customer complained, I'd tell the manager.

  • If Tom worked here, he wouldn't do a good job.

  1. Use might or could in the main clause to indicate that something is possible and not certain.

    Example:

  • If you ate Jessica's cooking, you might get sick.

  • You could complain if you didn't like the food.

  • I could be a chef if I wanted to.

  1. We often use if + were instead of was after the pronouns I, she, he, it, and singular nouns. This is more common in formal language and American English.

    Example:

  • If it were cheaper, I'd go to restaurants more often

  1. We often use if I were you ... I would (not) ... for advice and suggestions.

    Example:

  • If I were you, I'd find another job.

  • I wouldn't eat here if I were you.

Grammar Note 💡

  1. 📌 When if comes at the beginning of the sentence, we need a comma in the middle.

    Examples:

    If you cut an onion, it makes you cry.

    If you are thinking about your future, Chemistry is a good subject to study.

    If the food was bad, there wouldn't be many customers.

Third Conditional

  1. Use the third conditional for impossible condition in the past and its probable result in the past. These sentences are unreal because it is now too late for the condition or its result to exist.

    Typically it expresses regret:

  • If I had worked harder, I would have passed the exam.

  • I would have been happy if you had called me in my birthday.

  1. In third conditional sentences, use the pattern if + had (past participle).... would have (past participle)

    Example:

  • If you had told me, I would have remembered.

  • If I had known you were coming, I would have baked a cake.

  1. You can use modals in the main clause instead of "would" to express the degree of certainty, permission, or a recommendation about the outcome.

    Example:

  • If I had worked harder I might have passed the exam.

  • You could have been on time if you had caught the bus.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Complete the sentences with the correct tenses to make second conditional sentences.


What would you do if..?


Example: If I had a million dollars, I would invest in a startup and support aspiring entrepreneurs.

  1. You had more free time

  2. You were fluent in English

  3. You were close to the beach

  4. You were the CEO of a company

  5. You had better management skills

Part II

Direction: Talk about the five things that you regret not doing in the past using third conditional sentences.


Example: If I had studied business in college, I would have pursued a career in entrepreneurship.