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
Arthur would not be happy if you demanded earnest money from him.
What would you do if the boss were to ask you to shred the minutes of a meeting?
If the client could not afford a loss, the broker would not recommend an investment as risky as this.
The gift card would actually be worth something if you got it for free.
Exception!
'Were' is often used for all subjects in the second conditional.
Example:
I would fulfill the customer's requirements much faster if I were better equipped technologically.
She would not correspond with her if she were not a true friend.
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:
What will happen to the company if this campaign fails?
We may sell our stock if we continue to get such a poor return on investment.
If something is not very possible or improbable, choose the second conditional.
Example:
How would you compile the minutes of a meeting if you were secretary?
Jerry wouldn't reply if you asked him that question about deferred interest.
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
I would purchase those securities if I had a letter of credit.
The gift card would actually be worth something if you got it for free.