(This structure is often called the ‘second conditional’)

We use this structure to talk about unreal or improbable present or future situation - things that will probably not happen, situations that are untrue or imaginary. We use a past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the other part of the sentence (even though the meaning is present or future) to ’distance’ our language from reality.

If I knew the head office address, I would contact them.

(but I don’t know)

If I had the full name of the bank, I would execute payment.

(but I don’t have it)

If I earned a lot of money, I’d started my own business.

(it is an imaginary situation)

The past form e.g. earned, knew does not have a past meaning in sentences like these; it has a hypothetical present or future meaning.

Exercise 1. Put the words in brackets into the correct form.

1. If you _______ (to have) any problems concerning your legal right, we could provide you with urgent assistance.

2. If members _____(not to meet) annually for a session, they wouldn’t take decisions important issues by voting.

3. If you _______ (to send) us the letter, we would check the information mentioned in your fax.

4. If the Board of Directors made a positive decision, they (to summon) me.

5. If you ______(to work) a bit harder, you'd be really good at your job.

6. If you ______ (to pay) more attention in meetings, you'd know what was going on.

2. Can we use were instead of was after if?

a. We often use were instead of was after if especially in a more formal style.

If I were at the Board of Directors, I would support you.

I’d investigate the matter without any delay, if I weren’t so busy.

b. We often use if I were you to give advice and if you were me to ask for advice.

What would you undertake, if you were me?

If I were you, I’d buy extra shares.

Exercise 2. If the underlined word or words are used incorrectly, make correction.

1. If there were no international organizations working to formulate and enforce legal rights of individuals, victims of human rights violations will appeal to heaven.

2. We could investigate this matter further if you supply us with a complete description of each item.

2. If the Board will appoint a Managing Director, he or she would be directly responsible to them as a member of the Board.

3. If you looked into the matter once again and inform us of the present situation we could close the matter in our books.

4. If I was made President of this company, I had made quite a few changes.

5. If I come to the Hague, I’d visit International Court of Justice.

3. Can we use the modal verbs might or could instead of would in the main clause?

Yes, we can use these modal verbs instead of would.

If I earned a lot of money, I might start my own business.

I could lend money to you, if you needed it.

Exercise 3. Translate into English.

1. Если бы подпись уполномоченного лица на документе была поставлена, мы бы смогли исполнить Ваши указания.

3. Если бы представитель Комиссии по правам человека был сейчас в Лондоне, он, конечно, смог бы помочь нам, но он приезжает только в конце недели.

4. Мы бы закрыли дело и отправили его в архив, если бы мы получили обращение, о котором идет речь.

5. Если бы представители фонда заключили договор на поставку офисного оборудования сегодня, то им была бы предоставлена большая скидка.

6. Организация не осуждала бы равнодушие политической системы к проблемам высшей школы, если бы правительство делало больше в сфере образования.

7. Моральные нормы выражают общественный идеал добра и справедливости, и если бы все люди соблюдали эти нормы, человечество преодолело бы многие проблемы современности.