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
Who would you flame on that forum if you were a troll?
I would purchase a computer with a flash memory drive if I had the money.
I would purchase a firewire cord if I had that peripheral.
I would redesign the flow chart if I were the marketing director.
Exception!
'Were' is often used for all subjects in the second conditional.
Example:
I would hide the fnord if I were the illuminated conspirator.
I would hire a black hat marketer if I were in charge.
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 might install virus protection software if my iMac get infected.
"If he comments out my code again, I will offer my resignation."
If something is not very possible or improbable, choose the second conditional.
Example:
I would get a flat screen monitor if I were upgrading today.
I would purchase a computer with a flash memory drive if I had the money.
Do not use a comma, when placing the result clause first.
She would invest in her son's computer repair company if she knew about BIOS.
She would download more video files if the bit rate were faster.