If it would

Use the first.

In my book, two uses of would in the same sentence is a no-no.[N]

Hi. I think my question is related somewhat to the topic here. What are some guidelines (grammar rules?) as to the use of the modal verb "would" in adverbial clauses beginning with conjunctions such as "when" and "if"?

I think I learned in this forum that when we want to use the modal verb "would" as the future from a time before the present (past?), then we shouldn't use the modal "wou

Thanks, Philip,
It doesn't sound exactly right to me, but I have the feeling I've been using it all my life.

It would be nice if somebody would/could help that guy.

Do you feel that switching to "could" absolves us?

Best wishes, - A.

AvangiThanks, Philip, It doesn't sound exactly right to me, but I have the feeling I've been using it all my life.It would be nice if somebody would/could help that guy.Do you feel that switching to "could" absolves us?Best wishes, - A.

To some extent. Better: It would be nice if somebody helped that guy or It would be nice if somebody were to he

The second conditonal is formed by if+ past simple+would.Would can only be used in the second clause not in the "if" clause.The sentence that you wrote about "could",is correct as we can have might.