Mastering Second and Third Conditionals & Indirect Questions

Mastering Second and Third Conditionals

Second Conditional Examples

They aren't going to offer him the job because he seems very shy. (If he … not seem)
If he didn't seem too shy, they would give him the job.

We're not booking that flight because there's a six-hour stopover. (If there wasn't / weren't)
If there wasn't a six-hour stopover, we would book it.

Sally can't go to the cinema because she has to work overtime today. (If Sally … not work)
If Sally didn't have to work overtime, she could go to the cinema.

I'm not taking the job because the salary isn't high enough. (If the salary was / were …)
If the salary were high enough, I would take the job.

We don't see you very often because you live so far away. (If you … not live)
If you didn't live so far away, we would see you very often.

Third Conditional Examples

I missed the bus, so I was late for the job interview. (If I … not miss)
If I hadn't missed the bus, I wouldn't have been late for the job interview.

I was able to buy the car only because Jane lent me the money. (If Jane … not lend)
If Jane hadn't lent me the money, I wouldn't have been able to buy the car.

Sue had an exam. She didn't go to the party. (If Sue … not have an exam)
If Sue hadn't had an exam, she would have gone to the party.

I didn't get a taxi because I didn't have any money. (If I … have some money)
If I had had some money, I would have taken a taxi.

Rachel didn't take her umbrella. That's why she got wet. (If Rachel … take)
If Rachel had taken her umbrella, she wouldn't have gotten wet.

Charles trained every day. That's why he won the Olympic medal. (If Charles … not train)
If Charles hadn't trained every day, he wouldn't have won the Olympic medal.

Understanding Indirect Questions

Where is the post office?
Can you tell me where the post office is?

When will she be back?
Do you happen to know when she will be back?

What time did they leave?
Do you know what time they left?

What does this word mean?
Can you tell me what this word means?

Where does Ms. Howards live?
Do you have any idea where Ms. Howards lives?

How much does it cost to park here?
I want to know how much it costs to park here.

Did Helen go out alone last night?
I don't suppose you know if Helen went out alone last night.

Is Sue going out tonight?
I don't know if Sue is going out tonight.

Who's that woman?
Do you happen to know who that woman is?

Why didn't Kate come to John's birthday party?
He wants to know why Kate didn't come to John's birthday party.

How long has Tom's son had his driving license?
I have no idea how long Tom's son has had his driving license.

Was Ed's wife born in Ireland?
I don't know if Ed's wife was born in Ireland.