When you are talking about the present or the future and you imagine something that is untrue or unlikely, use the past tense (‘lived’) in the if clause (NOT would): ‘If I knew her address, I’d send her a gift.’ ‘If I won a lot of money, I’d buy a new car.’
When you are talking about the past and you imagine something that is impossible, use the past perfect tense (‘had caught’) in the if clause (NOT would have): ‘If he hadn’t got on the plane, he would still be alive.’
When you are talking about the present or the future and you imagine something that is possible but unlikely, use if … should (NOT if … would): ‘If anyone should need me, I’ll be back in half an hour.’
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