Thread: Если б было

It is called subjunctive rather than conditional. The difference is that subjunctive implies that the mentioned condition is not really fulfilled, that is purely imaginary.

"б" and "бы" are two forms of the same word.

Originally Posted by it-ogo

It is called subjunctive rather than conditional. The difference is that subjunctive implies that the mentioned condition is not really fulfilled, that is purely imaginary.

"б" and "бы" are two forms of the same word.

The term subjunctive is mostly used in Russian textbooks of English. Most English language grammar books call it second or third conditional (the second conditional is past+would, the third is past perfect+would have), or unreal conditional. In any case, you're correct that it refers to an imaginary condition.

Originally Posted by John_Douglas

The term subjunctive is mostly used in Russian textbooks of English. Most English language grammar books call it second or third conditional (the second conditional is past+would, the third is past perfect+would have), or unreal conditional.

Interestingly there is a big article in English wikipedia about subjunctive (and specifically subjunctive in English). Looks like it is a professional linguistic term rather than one of the school grammar. It is not the first time I find that scientific linguistics and native school traditions treat the problem in a different way. For example usual case order or declension numbering in native Russian textbooks and materials for the foreigners are different.