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 restaurateur would open on a Friday if he had a choice.
An environmentalist wouldn't buy packaged snacks if the grocery sold the same snacks without packaging.
Who would you hire if you were going to offer valet parking?
The airline CEO would personally profit if the government bailed out the airline.
Exception!
'Were' is often used for all subjects in the second conditional.
Example:
I would hire a wait person if I were the owner of the restaurant.
I would give away comps if I were in charge of marketing the concert.
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:
We won't find the right location if we don't ask for help.
What will they do if the decoration is ugly?
If something is not very possible or improbable, choose the second conditional.
Example:
I would wash that tablecloth if I had the right detergent.
Who would you hire if you were going to offer valet parking?
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
The airline CEO would personally profit if the government bailed out the airline.
He would make a larger commission if he were to reorganize his leads.