Type 2 conditional alternate forms
Modals in the result clause
We can use could in the result clause to mean would be able to.
- If you were more serious about your work, you
could finish it in time. (= You would be able to finish it in time.)
- If I had more money, I could buy a new car. (=
I would be able to buy a new car.)
- If you spoke a foreign language, you could get
a better job. (= You would be able to get a better job.)
Might can be used in the result clause to mean would perhaps or would possibly.
- If you requested them more politely, they might
help you. (= They would perhaps help you.)
Were to
If can be followed by 'subject + were to' to suggest that we are talking about an imaginary condition.
- If I were to buy a new car, what would you
say?
- If you were to lose your job, what would you
do?
- If you were to win, what would you give me?
If it were not for
This structure is used to say that one event depends on another for completion.
- If it weren't for his dedication, this company wouldn't
exist.
- If it weren't for your timely help, I wouldn't be alive
today.
- If it weren't for his wife's money, he wouldn't be a
millionaire.
Supposing
Supposing is used in place of if to emphasize the imaginary. It is more commonly used in everyday speech.
- Supposing he came to visit you, what would you do? (= If he
came to visit you, what would you do?)
- Supposing I became the Miss World, what would you
say?
Sections in this article
Introduction To If Clauses
The Zero Conditional
The Type One Conditional
Type One Conditional- Alternate
Forms
The Type Two Conditional
Type Two Conditional- Alternate
Forms
The Type Three Conditional
Type Three Conditional-Alternate
Forms
Mixed Conditional