Conditional Overview with Examples (Part 2)

Present Unreal Conditional

FORM

[If ... SIMPLE PAST ..., ... would + VERB ...]

or

[... would + VERB ... if ... SIMPLE PAST ...]

USE

The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would do in imaginary situations in general.

EXAMPLES:

If I had a car, I would drive to work. But I don't have a car.

She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.

I would read more if I didn't have a TV.

Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.

If they worked harder, they would earn more money.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would travel.

Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?

I would live in Seattle.

EXCEPTION If I were ...

In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form “was” is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use “were.” However, in everyday conversation, “was” is often used.

EXAMPLES:

If he were French, he would live in Paris.

If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.

I would play basketball if I were taller.

I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.

I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. NOT CORRECT (But often said in conversation)

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs

There are some special Conditional forms for modal verbs in English:

would + can = could

would + shall = should

would + may = might

The words “can,” “shall” and “may” must be used in these special forms; they cannot be used with “would.”

EXAMPLES:

If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. NOT CORRECT

If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. CORRECT

If she had time, she would may go to the party. NOT CORRECT

If she had time, she might go to the party. CORRECT

The words “could,” should,” “might” and “ought to” include conditional, so you cannot combine them with “would.”

EXAMPLES:

If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. NOT CORRECT

If I had more time, I could exercise after work. CORRECT

If he invited you, you really would should go. NOT CORRECT

If he invited you, you really should go. CORRECT

IMPORTANT Only use "If"

Only the word “if” is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. “When” cannot be used.

EXAMPLES:

I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. NOT CORRECT

I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. CORRECT

Past Conditionals