Question

Hi everyone,1)I regret leaving or I regret having left. (which one?)2)''I'm not sure if I'll be able to come next Thursday.'' Is that true that it's possible to use 'will' after 'if' in sentences where I could use 'whether' instead?3)''Stop screaming!'' There's an echo and the sound will reverberate.'' Does 'reverberate' sound natural in this example or is there a better alternative?Many thanks in advance.

Paul Evdokimov · Accepted Answer

Ann2251)I regret leaving or I regret having left. (which one?)

Both are correct when referring to the past, but only 'regret leaving' is acceptable for smth. in the present or in general.

Ann2252)''I'm not sure if I'll be able to come next Thursday.'' Is that true that it's possible to use 'will' after 'if' in sentences where I could use 'whether' instead?

Yes, both 'if' and 'whether' are OK. This structure resembles the 'if-clause' of type 1 conditional sentences, which confuses many students.

Ann225''Stop screaming!'' There's an echo and the sound will reverberate.'' Does 'reverberate' sound natural in this example or is there a better alternative?

Sounds and reverberates perfectly!

I would put a comma after 'echo' to separate two clauses, and 'will reverbarate' is a bit strange after the imperative 'stop screaming'. There's an echo, and your voice/the sound is reverberating around/through this room/hall/apartment.

Ann225 · Answer

Thanks for the prompt reply! I really appreciate your help. As for the 'Stop screaming' example. I wanted to use the future tense to express that if he/she doesn't stop screaming, everybody will hear him/her. I'd like to say something like: ''Stop screaming! There's an echo and it will cause the sound to reverberate and everybody will know what we talked about.'' Does it still sound strange to you?:) Thank you again.

CalifJim · Answer

Ann2251)I regret leaving or I regret having left. (which one?)

Either. I regret leaving is appropriate if you are about to leave or if you have already left. I regret having leftis only appropriate if you have already left.

Ann2252)''I'm not sure if I'll be able to come next Thursday.'' Is that true that it's possible to use 'will' after 'if' in sentences where I could use 'whether' instead?

Yes. if and will can occur in the same clause if it's an indirect question, so your sentence is OK.

Will I be able to come next Thursday? (direct question)
if I'll be able to come next Thursday (indirect question embedded in the larger sentence)

However, you can't do this:

*If I'll be able to come next Thursday, I will come.

Ann2253)''Stop screaming!'' There's an echo and the sound will reverberate.'' Does 'reverberate' sound natural in this example or is there a better alternative?

Fine as is.

CJ

Paul Evdokimov · Answer

It does, unless you are talking to a kid... I doubt that an adult needs this kind of detailed explanation to prevent him/her from screaming. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Ann225 · Answer

I'd not say it in everyday conversation. I'd choose something similar to what you've suggested. I was just wondering if it was possible that way. Many thanks for clearing that up.

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