What Would Happen?
Second Conditional
The second, or 'unreal', conditional is used for improbable situations that are purely hypothetical. Use the second conditional when imagining various situations.
'If' clause - past simple + , + result clause - would + verb (conditional tense)
Examples of Unreal Situations
The customer wouldn't pay using the payment order if you didn't inform him.
What would you do about the gross yield if you were the CEO?
She would buy a gift card if she were to find one for Sears.
I would fulfill the customer's requirements much faster if I were better equipped technologically.
Exception!
'Were' is often used for all subjects in the second conditional.
Example:
She would not correspond with her if she were not a true friend.
I would fulfill the customer's requirements much faster if I were better equipped technologically.
Differences Between First and Second Conditional
The choice between the first or second conditional is often based on the probability of a given situation. If something is truly possible, choose the first conditional.
Example:
Debby won't make a decision about deferred revenue if she doesn't hear from him soon.
What will happen to the company if this campaign fails?
If something is not very possible or improbable, choose the second conditional.
Example:
I would be more likely to accept an operating loss if I were assured of future profits.
How would you compile the minutes of a meeting if you were secretary?
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
He would happily take a decision if the bank credit were encouraging.
I would be more likely to accept an operating loss if I were assured of future profits.