Conditional Sentences with If-Clause: Imaginary Situations

Use conditional sentences to talk about imaginary or hypothetical situations in the present.

Use the simple past in the if-clause. Would is often used in the main clause

If I found a million dollars, I would keep it. I wouldn’t take it to the police

The contraction of would is ’d and is used with all subjects: I’d, you’d, he’d, she’d, we’d, they’d

They’d be happy if they had time to take a vacation

Might can replace would in conditional sentences to express possibility.

If I had extra money, I might take a vacation to Hawaii.

Could can be used in the if-clause. It means “if someone were able to.”

If I could travel anywhere, I’d go to Tahiti.

Could can also be used in the main clause. It means “would be able to.”

If we had more time, we could play another game of tennis

Use wish for things you want to happen but probably won’t.

wish in the present

I don’t have much time. I wish I had more time.

I have to study today. I wish I didn’t have to study today.

I’m not rich. I wish I was/were rich.

I can’t go to the mall. I wish I could go to the mall.

in the future

He won’t lend me his car. I wish he would lend me his car.

Note: Was is usually used in informal spoken English with I.

I wish I was a millionaire.