real vs. unreal

Using present real and unreal conditionals correctly helps the reader to understand how likely you think an event will occur. If you are running for the mayor of your city, and believe there's a good chance you will win, you say "If I win, I will solve the homeless problem." (verb in present tense, with the modal will) If, however, you want to express doubt (what's known as unreal), you would change the verb to past tense, and the modal will to would: "If I won, I would solve the homeless problem." One tricky area, if the verb happens to be a form of be, you will use is or are for real conditional, but were for unreal, regardless of the subject: If I were a rich man, If she were here right now, If it were that easy (in each case, though the subjects are singular, the word were is used. And we use were because it is unreal (not impossible necessarily, just unlikely to happen in your view). I am not a rich man, she is not here right now, and it isn't easy. It's very hard--all examples of unreal conditionals.