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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Back-shift of first conditional?

Hi. Would you say the following sentence is the back-shift of a first-conditional sentence and the first conditional sentence for it, "I think if he have time, he will have spent it with his friends"?

Or is it a wrong sentence and should be "I think if had had time, he would have spent it with his frends"?

(A and B talking)

A: I found it surprising that he left town without seeing his friends. I know he was in town.

B: Yes, I understand, but I think if he did have time, he would have spent it with his friends. But I believe he had to take care of very important matters and couldn't spare a little time to meet with his friends.
  

Top answer

Anonymous "I think if he have time, he will have spent it with his friends" Wrong. He have is virtually always wrong. Anonymous Yes, I understand, but I think if he did have time, he would have spent it with his friends.

  • Anonymous "I think if he have time, he will have spent it with his friends" Wrong.
  • He have is virtually always wrong.
  • Anonymous Yes, I understand, but I think if he did have time, he would have spent it with his friends.
  • Wrong again.
  • Say: ...
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1 Answers
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Anonymous"I think if he have time, he will have spent it with his friends"
Wrong. He have is virtually always wrong.
AnonymousYes, I understand, but I think if he did have time, he would have spent it with his friends.
Wrong again. Say: ... if he had had time, he would have spent it...

CB

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