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NancyJosie Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Conditional
Hi,
I'd like to know whether the following set of sentences are all correct and whether there is a difference in meaning between them.
There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and unexplicable./There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovered exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it would instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and unexplicable.
Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic./Americans would put up with anything provided it didn't block traffic.
Thanks
Nancy
I'd like to know whether the following set of sentences are all correct and whether there is a difference in meaning between them.
There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and unexplicable./There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovered exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it would instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and unexplicable.
Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic./Americans would put up with anything provided it didn't block traffic.
Thanks
Nancy
Top answer
" are both fine. " Aside from the lack of the word "if" these sentences are fine, too. I believe there is a slight difference between each version of each pair of sentences, yet they are used essentially the same way.
- " are both fine.
- " Aside from the lack of the word "if" these sentences are fine, too.
- I believe there is a slight difference between each version of each pair of sentences, yet they are used essentially the same way.
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2 Answers
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I don't think you have to capitalize "universe."
"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers..." and "There is a theory which states that if anybody ever discovered..." are both fine.
"Americans will put up with anything provided if it doesn't block traffic./Americans would put up with anything provided if it didn't block traffi
"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers..." and "There is a theory which states that if anybody ever discovered..." are both fine.
"Americans will put up with anything provided if it doesn't block traffic./Americans would put up with anything provided if it didn't block traffi
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No, if is wrong there, hmea1. The originals are correct.
The difference within these particular pairs is that the 'will' version is slightly more assured and the 'would' version is slightly more tentative.
The difference within these particular pairs is that the 'will' version is slightly more assured and the 'would' version is slightly more tentative.
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