If Clauses | Type 2 Conditional

Here we use a simple past in the if-clause and would + infinitive (bare form of the verb) in the result clause.

If you asked, they would help you.
If it rained, you would get wet.
If you loved her, she would love you.
If I had more money, I would buy a new car.
If he studied more, he would pass the exam.
If I were the President, I would lower taxes.

The type 2 conditional refers to present and future situations. It is used to talk about unreal - impossible, improbable or imaginary - situations. It refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result.

Type 1 or type 2 - What to use?

Real and imaginary situations

The type 1 conditional is often called the real conditional. It is used for real and possible situations. The type 2 conditional is used for unreal - impossible, improbable or imaginary - situations.

Compare:

If I become the President, I will give free electricity to farmers. (Said by a candidate, who may win the election - Type 1)
If I win this race, I will... (- Said by the fastest runner - Type 1)
If I became the President, I would give free electricity to farmers. (Said by a child - Type 2)
If I won this race, I would... (- Said by the slowest runner - Type 2)

Direct requests and suggestions

In direct request or suggestions we use type 1 conditional. To make a request or suggestion more polite, we use type 2 conditional.

Compare:

I will be grateful if you lend me some money. (direct request - Type 1)
It will be nice if you help me. (direct request - Type 1)
It would be nice if you helped me. (less direct, more polite request - Type 2)
I would be grateful if you lent me some money. (more polite request - Type 2)

If Clauses | Type 2 Conditional

Type 1 or type 2 - What to use?

Real and imaginary situations

Compare:

Direct requests and suggestions

Compare:

Sections in this article

See also