Conditional with бы
Russian uses бы with past-form verbs to express wishes, hypotheticals, and softer unreal possibilities.
Examples
RussianTranslation
Если бы у меня было больше времени, я бы чаще читал.
If I had more time, I would read more often.
Я бы поехал раньше, если бы мог.
I would have gone earlier if I could.
Было бы лучше подождать до завтра.
It would be better to wait until tomorrow.
Pattern
если бы ... , ... бы
How it works
Russian uses бы with past-form verbs to express wishes, hypotheticals, and softer unreal possibilities. This pattern typically appears as если бы ... , ... бы and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Бы marks unreality or hypothetical distance rather than simple future time.
- It often appears in both the condition and the result clause.
Why it matters
Push beyond simple completion into attitude, repetition, and unreal conditions.
Use in context
This is central to nuanced advice, reflection, and hypothetical writing at B2.