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Learning Objectives

2 minutes reading
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Form the second conditional correctly (If + past, would + verb)
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Give diplomatic advice using "If I were you..."
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Discuss hypothetical business scenarios
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Soften direct suggestions with imaginary situations
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Key for this lesson

Second conditional = imaginary/unreal situations. If + past simple, ... would + base verb. "If I were you, I'd inform the client."

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Grammar Explanation

4 minutes reading
Structure

Second Conditional Formation

If + past simple, ... would + base verb

Hypothetical: "If we had more budget, we would hire two people."

Unreal: "If I knew the answer, I would tell you."

Advice: "If I were you, I would ask for an extension."

If I had...If we knew...If I were you...
Usage

When to Use Second Conditional

Imaginary situations + Diplomatic advice

Imaginary: "If I had more time, I'd learn Python."

Advice: "If I were in your position, I'd negotiate."

Wishes: "I wish I had more experience."

wouldcouldmight
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"Were" not "Was"

In formal English: "If I were you..." (not "was"). This sounds more professional and is grammatically correct for hypothetical situations.

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Context & Professional Usage

5 minutes reading

Giving Advice

💼Career: "If I were you, I'd apply for that promotion."
⚠️Warning: "If I were in your position, I'd inform the manager."
🤝Negotiation: "If I were you, I'd ask for more details."
📞Client: "If I were in your shoes, I'd call the client directly."

Hypothetical Scenarios

💰Budget: "If we had more resources, we could expand."
⏰Time: "If we had more time, we would test it properly."
👥Team: "If we hired more staff, we could meet the deadline."
🌍Market: "If the market improved, profits would increase."
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Business English Examples

6 minutes reading
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Correct Second Conditional Usage

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"If I were you, I would inform the client immediately."

Diplomatic advice

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"If we had a bigger team, we could take on more projects."

Hypothetical scenario with could

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"If the budget were higher, we would invest in training."

Formal hypothetical

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"If I knew the answer, I 'd tell you."

Contracted form (I'd = I would)

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Common Mistakes

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"If I would have more time, I would finish it."

Use: "If I had more time..." (past simple)

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"If I was you, I'd apply." (informal)

Use: "If I were you..." (formal/professional)

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"If we have more budget, we would expand."

Use: "If we had..." (past for hypothetical)

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Professional Listening Exercise

6 minutes

Listen to colleagues discussing a work dilemma:

🎵Audio: Career Advice
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0:00 / 0:00
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Speed:

Maria: Tom, I'm not sure what to do. The client wants the report tomorrow, but I found some errors in the data.

Tom: That's tricky. If I were you, I'd inform the manager first.

Maria: But what if she gets upset?

Tom: If I were in your position, I'd be honest. She'd appreciate knowing before the deadline.

Maria: You're right. And if we had more time, we could fix the errors ourselves.

Tom: Exactly. If the deadline were next week, it wouldn't be a problem.

Maria: If I asked for an extension, do you think the client would agree?

Tom: They might. If I were you, I'd explain the situation clearly. They'd probably prefer accurate data over a rushed report.

Maria: Good point. If we delivered wrong information, it could damage our reputation.

Tom: Absolutely. If I had to choose, I'd always prioritize quality over speed.

Maria: Thanks, Tom. I'll talk to the manager now.

Question 1: What problem does Maria have?

Question 2: What does Tom advise Maria to do first?

Question 3: Complete: "If I _______ you, I'd inform the manager first."

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Quick Comprehension Quiz

4 minutes
1

Correct second conditional structure:

AIf I would have time, I help you.
BIf I had time, I would help you.
CIf I have time, I would help you.
2

Formal way to give advice:

AIf I was you, I'd call them.
BIf I were you, I'd call them.
CIf I am you, I call them.
3

Second conditional is used for:

AReal, likely situations
BImaginary, hypothetical situations
CPast events that happened
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Professional Practice Exercises

7 minutes

Exercise A: Complete the second conditional sentences

1. If I _______ you, I'd ask for feedback. (be)

2. If we _______ more staff, we could finish earlier. (have)

3. If the budget were bigger, we _______ invest in new software. (can)

4. If I _______ the answer, I would tell you. (know)

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Speaking Preparation

4 minutes
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Preparation for Class

Practice giving advice and discussing hypothetical scenarios.

💬 Task 1: Giving Advice (1 min)

Practice: "If I were you, I'd..." / "If I were in your position..."

🤔 Task 2: Hypotheticals (2 min)

Discuss: "If I had more time/money/resources, I would..."

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Well Done!

Key structure: If + past simple, ... would/could + base verb. Use "were" for formal advice.
Next: Lesson 5.3 - Preferences and Polite Disagreement

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