A question about a conditional

[Bassim]

I have a question about a conditional. Today I am hearing on the news about Gaddafi and his killing and then the talk about what would be better, if he is dead or alive.
For example which of these sentences are correct?

It would be better if Gaddafi were captured alive.

It would have been better if Gaddafi had been captured alive.

It would be better if they had captured him alive.

It would have been better if they had captured him alive.

[billmcd]

I have a question about a conditional. Today I am hearing heard on the news about Gaddafi and his killing and then the talk about what would be better, if he were dead or alive.
For example which of these sentences are correct?

It would be better if Gaddafi were captured alive. Better now?

It would have been better if Gaddafi had been captured alive. Better at the time of the event?


It would be better if they had captured him alive. Better now?

It would have been better if they had captured him alive.Better at the time of the event?

Depends what you intend as the meaning of the statement. I suspect that you would prefer #2 or #4.

[Bassim]

billmcd

Thank you for your explanations. Now I understand the difference between these conditionals.