English Grammar

The Type 2 Conditional - Alternate forms

Modals in the result clause

We can use could in the result clause to mean would be able to.

• If you were more serious about your work, you could finish it in time. (= You would be able to finish it in time.)
  
• If I had more money, I could buy a new car. (= I would be able to buy a new car.)
  
• If you spoke a foreign language, you could get a better job. (= You would be able to get a better job.)
  

Might can be used in the result clause to mean would perhaps or would possibly.

• If you requested them more politely, they might help you. (= They would perhaps help you.)
  

Were to

If can be followed by 'subject + were to' to suggest that we are talking about an imaginary condition.

• If I were to buy a new car, what would you say?
  
• If you were to lose your job, what would you do?
  
• If you were to win, what would you give me?
  

If it were not for

This structure is used to say that one event depends on another for completion.

• If it weren't for his dedication, this company wouldn't exist.
  
• If it weren't for your timely help, I wouldn't be alive today.
  
• If it weren't for his wife's money, he wouldn't be a millionaire.
  

Supposing

Supposing is used in place of if to emphasize the imaginary. It is more commonly used in everyday speech.

• Supposing he came to visit you, what would you do? (= If he came to visit you, what would you do?)
  
• Supposing I became the Miss World, what would you say?
  

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