Overview of Unreal Conditionals
We use unreal conditional sentences to express imaginary situations. The imaginary condition or event (this is not true right now) is introduced by the if clause. The main clause expresses the imaginary result (what would or could happen as a result of the imaginary condition or event).
If a velociraptor burst into my room, I would jump out the window. (The if clause "if a velociraptor burst into my room" expresses something that is imaginary, while "I would jump out the window" expresses what would happen given the imaginary if clause).
Even though the simple past or past continuous tenses are used in the if clause, it does not show past time; it shows that the situation is not real. In the main clause, would, could/would be able to, or might also show that the result is not real (imaginary).
If I had the car, I could give you a ride. (I don't have a car right now, so I can't give you a ride)
If I had a fever, I'd call the doctor. (I don't have a fever right now, so I don't need to call the doctor)
If they were visiting the school, we'd be able to play a game with them. (They are not visiting the school, so we can't play a game with them)
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