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💭 Compendium
Grammar
EN
English — the conditional (would)
To talk about unreal or hypothetical situations, English pairs an if-clause with would.
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How it works
✓ Rule
Second (hypothetical) conditional: If + past, … would + base verb: If I had time, I would travel. would is the same for every person; contraction 'd, negative wouldn't.
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The three conditionals
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Zero — general truth | If you heat ice, it melts. |
| First — real / likely | If it rains, I'll stay home. |
| Second — hypothetical | If I had time, I would travel. |
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Good to know
⚠ Note
In a standard second conditional, use a past form after if rather than would: If I had time, I would travel. Would can occur in an if-clause when it expresses willingness or a polite request: If you would wait here, I'll check. With to be, careful English uses were in unreal singular clauses: If I were you, I'd wait. Would also makes polite requests: Would you help me?