Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in the box. build, communicate, work, help,...

To complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in the box, we'll be using the second conditional. This conditional form is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the present or future. The structure typically involves "if" followed by the past simple tense, and the main clause usually contains "would" plus the base form of the verb.

1. If we all recycled our rubbish, it would help the environment.

   • Here, "help" is the correct verb to use, as recycling rubbish would have a positive effect on the environment.

2. If he didn't smoke, he wouldn’t cough so much.

   • The verb "smoke" is used in the negative past simple form "didn't smoke" to indicate a hypothetical cessation of the habit.

3. If we built smaller houses, we would use less energy.

   • "Built" is the past simple form of "build," appropriate for the second conditional to suggest a hypothetical scenario where building smaller houses leads to energy conservation.

4. If we all spoke two or three languages, we would communicate better with people from other countries.

   • "Communicate" is the verb used here, and in the conditional form "would communicate," it expresses improved interaction due to multilingualism.

Now, let's complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets, which are in the subjunctive mood, used to express wishes or hypothetical situations.

1. I wish I spoke (speak) another language.

   • "Spoke" is the past simple form used to express a wish about a present ability.

2. I wish you weren't (be) so tired. We could go out for a walk.

   • "Weren't" is used here to express a wish that contradicts the current reality.

3. I wish I had (have) enough money to buy that new coat in Zara.

   • "Had" is the past simple form, used to express a desire for a current situation that isn't true.

4. I wish I could (can) go to the concert with you, but I’ve got too much work.

   • "Could" is the past form of "can," used to express a wish for the ability to do something that is not possible.

5. I wish we didn't live (live) so near the railway station. It’s very noisy.

   • "Didn't live" is the negative past simple form, expressing a wish to change the current living situation.

6. I wish I were (be) on holiday in a hot and sunny place right now!

   • "Were" is used here, as it is the correct subjunctive form after "wish" for all subjects.

For the additional conditional sentences:

1. If I took the 10.30 a.m. train, I’d be in London by lunchtime.

   • "Took" is the past simple form of "take," used in the second conditional to describe a hypothetical travel plan.

2. If motorists had to pay another road tax, they would be furious.

   • "Would be" is used to describe the expected reaction to a hypothetical situation involving additional taxes.

3. If we worked so much and relaxed more, we’d be a lot happier.

   • "Worked" should actually be "didn't work," as the sentence implies a decrease in work would lead to increased happiness.

1. If we all recycled our rubbish, it would help the environment.
2. If he didn't smoke, he wouldn’t cough so much.
3. If we built smaller houses, we would use less energy.

4. If we all spoke two or three languages, we would communicate better with people from other countries.

5. I wish I spoke another language.

6. I wish you weren't so tired. We could go out for a walk.
7. I wish I had enough money to buy that new coat in Zara.
8. I wish I could go to the concert with you, but I’ve got too much work.
9. I wish we didn't live so near the railway station. It’s very noisy.

10. I wish I were on holiday in a hot and sunny place right now!

11. If I took the 10.30 a.m. train, I’d be in London by lunchtime.

12. If motorists had to pay another road tax, they would be furious.
13. If we worked less and relaxed more, we’d be a lot happier.

1. would help
2. didn't smoke
3. built

4. would communicate

5. spoke

6. weren't
7. had
8. could
9. lived

10. were

11. caught

12. would be
13. didn't work