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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

conditionals

What is the difference between:
If you asked, she would answer.
and
If you would ask, she would answer.

The first is a straight-forward 'unreal' conditional, but what about the second?
Thanks
  

Top answer

Anonymous what about the second? I sense at least two interpretations. 1.

— CalifJim

  • Anonymous what about the second?
  • I sense at least two interpretations.
  • 1.
  • [If you took the trouble to ask / If you were willing to ask / If you were able to overcome your shyness and ask], she would answer.
  • 2.
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3 Answers
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Anonymouswhat about the second?
I sense at least two interpretations.

1. [If you took the trouble to ask / If you were willing to ask / If you were able to overcome your shyness and ask], she would answer.

2. In the past, the what usually happened was that whenever you asked, she answered.

CJ
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AnonymousIf you would ask, she would answer.
Hank is in love with Mary. He wants to marry her, but he cannot find the courage to pop the big question. Hank is talking with his friend Joe.

Hank: I love her so much, but whenever I try to ask her, my tongue freezes.
Joe: If you would just / only ask, she would say "yes."
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AnonymousIf you would ask, she would answer.
It may mean that: If you used to ask, she would answer.
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