Pattern: If + Past Simple → would + V. We use it for unreal or unlikely conditions in the present/future.
How it’s formed
- Condition (if‑clause): Past Simple — If it rained
- Main clause (result): would + V — I would stay at home
If it rained, I would stay at home.
If it rained, I would stay at home.
Clause order
You can swap the two parts. If the if‑clause comes first, use a comma.
If you studied, you would pass.
You would pass if you studied.
Negation and questions
- Negation: If he didn’t call, I wouldn’t go.
- Question: What would you do if it snowed?
Other ways we use it
- Were with I/he/she/it: If I were you, I would …
- could/might/should instead of would: If you studied more, you could pass.
- Sometimes with unless (“if not”): We wouldn’t go unless it was/were necessary.
Common mistakes
| ❌ If it will rain, we would cancel. | ✅ If it rained, we would cancel. |
| ❌ I wouldn’t come if he won’t call. | ✅ I wouldn’t come if he didn’t call. |
| ❌ Would in the if-clause: If he would call, … | ✅ Use Past Simple in the if-clause: If he called, … |
More examples
If I had time, I would help you.
If I had time, I would help you.
If you studied harder, you would pass.
If you studied harder, you would pass.
If they lived closer, we would see them more often.
If they lived closer, we would see them more often.
If the app were faster, I would use it more often.
If the app were faster, I would use it more often.
Structure: If + Past Simple → would + V
Unreal or unlikely situations (present/future)
No would in the if-clause