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
I would dispute the closing balance fee if I ever needed to end my relationship with the bank.
If the client could not afford a loss, the broker would not recommend an investment as risky as this.
How would you spend your additional dividend earnings if all capital gains taxes were repealed?
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:
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:
I won't pay the fee if you don't explain why I was charged.
If we get the e-mail confirmation today, the merger will take place.
If something is not very possible or improbable, choose the second conditional.
Example:
What would you do if your balance sheet didn't add up?
He would happily take a decision if the bank credit were encouraging.
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
He would happily take a decision if the bank credit were encouraging.
She would buy a gift card if she were to find one for Sears.