The 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)