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Laborious Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Conditional

Hi dear teachers,

Would you kindly tell me which of the two conditional sentences I should say/use?

Situation: A sentence was, let's say, ABC.

If it(the sentence) WERE XYZ, the meaning would have been clearer to the readers.

If it(the sentence) HAD BEEN XYZ, the meaning would have been clearer to the readers.

I'm confused about the "were" and the "had been" parts in the sentences. Which is better, "were" or "had been"? Can I say either?

I've seen 'were' being used with 'would have been' in third conditional pattern several times, but I don't know at all if it is correct.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

If the sentence were XYZ the meaning would be clearer. If the sentence had been XYZ the meaning would have been clearer. Essentially, these sequences are set and must be used.

— Philip

  • If the sentence were XYZ the meaning would be clearer.
  • If the sentence had been XYZ the meaning would have been clearer.
  • Essentially, these sequences are set and must be used.
  • Offhand, I think that 'were' with 'would have been' is probably a mistake.
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1 Answers
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If the sentence were XYZ the meaning would be clearer.
If the sentence had been XYZ the meaning would have been clearer.
Essentially, these sequences are set and must be used. Offhand, I think that 'were' with 'would have been' is probably a mistake.
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