FIRST & SECOND CONDITIONAL (DIFFERENCE)

Question

(1) If I know her name, I will tell you.

(2) If I knew her name, I would tell you.

The first sentence in first conditional form and the second sentence is in second conditional form. Is there any difference in meaning between these two sentences?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a slight difference in meaning. Actually, to compound the problem, each of them can be taken to have more than one meaning. Let's concentrate on the main meanings.

"If I know her name, I will tell you."

You mention a woman whom you have seen at my place of work. You know that she works at the same company that I work at. You believe that since she and I work at the same company, I may know her name. You say, "Jim, I would like to get to know one of the women who works at the company where you work, but I don't know her name. I can only describe her." I say, "Well, go ahead and describe her, and maybe I will be able to figure out who she is. If I know her name, I will tell you."

"If I knew her name, I would tell you."

The story continues. You describe the woman, and from the description I know who the woman is, but not her name. I say, "Oh, yes. I've seen that woman a million times. I think she works in the payroll department. But I don't know her name." You don't believe me. You think I do know her name but that I just don't want you to know her name. You say, "I don't believe you. You do know her name, but you don't want me to meet her." I am amazed at your reaction. I say, "Belive me, rishonly, I have no reason not to tell you her name. If I knew her name, I would tell you."

CJ

FIRST & SECOND CONDITIONAL (DIFFERENCE)

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions