Conditional overlap?

Question

Maybe somone could kindly help me with this sentence and tell me, wether it is possible to write it in that sense or not:

You would have known it all along if I didn't work propperly.

As I learned that usually the Past Perfect is used in a conditional constellation reffering to the past, I am not entirely sure about the validity at the moment.

What I actually want to say is, that for example my boss would know if I didn't work as I supposed to. But I want to emphasize it with the expression "all along" or maybe even "for ages" (so it began somewhen in the past and refers up to now), but included in a Conditional I sentence, it sounds somehow odd.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousYou would have known it all along if I didn't work propperly

You would have known it all along if I hadn't been working properly.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for helping me out on this issue

Anyway, would there be any certain change in meaning if I wrote (or say):

You wouldn't have known it all along if I hadn't worked properly?

I mean unless you don't focus on the period of time "I had worked properly"?

Thanks a lot in advance!

Mister Micawber · Answer

Anonymousould there be any certain change in meaning if I wrote (or say):You wouldn't have known it all along if I hadn't worked properly?I mean unless you don't focus on the period of time "I had worked properly

Not really; it would just be the native's 2nd choice, I think.

Anonymous · Answer

Awesome, thank you for your help!

In conclusion it means: Never mix up your Conditionals I think? It's sometimes not that easy for a non-native speaker at all
I hope I will understand nearly everything sometime.

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousNever mix up your Conditionals I think?

It depends on what is meant. Often it can't be helped:

If you hadn't married my mother 15 years ago, we wouldn't be playing catch together now.

Conditional overlap?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions