Difference between first conditional and second conditional sentences
Difference between first conditional and second conditional is not a difference of time. Both structures can refer to the present or future; the second conditional simply suggests that a situation is impossible or imaginary.
Compare:
If I win the first prize, I will be perfectly happy. (Said by someone who has good chances of winning.)
If I won the first prize, I would be perfectly happy. (Said by someone who has no chances of winning.)
Second conditional sentences are also used to make a request sound more polite.
Compare:
Will it be alright if I take your car? (Direct request)
Would it be alright if I took your car? (More polite request)
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