Correct?
CalifJimEverestCTSIs this would have for probability too?Yes, but the context shows us that the probability is very high.
The morning shift almost certainly took care of that.
EverestCTSI do have a sense of implied condition behind the use of would have. For eg.
If Jennifer had signed in in the morning for a CT scan, Morning shift would’ve taken care of that.
Yes. I think the more probable the action, the more we sense the possibility of an implied condition.
EverestCTSI would like to get your opinion.I agree with your analysis.
CJ
Thank you for your response. I have some follow up questions. I would really appreciate you if you answered these questions. Here are a couple of sentences.
A: If you had asked me for help yesterday, I would’ve helped you. It means that in reality, you didn’t ask me for help yesterday so I didn’t help you.
B: I am happy that you didn’t ask me that question yesterday. If you had asked me that question yesterday, I wouldn’t have known the answer.
It means that in reality, you didn’t ask me that question so I didn’t know the answer?? It doesn’t make sense.
In third conditional sentences, do both “if clause” and the main sentence with “would”need to be counter factual? Looking at the sentence B, both don’t have to be counterfactual. What is your opinion on this? Please help.
Top answer
EverestCTS In third conditional sentences, do both “if clause” and the main sentence with “would” need to be counter factual? That seems a reasonable assumption, but I imagine that it doesn't always work like that, so there may be exceptions. We are tempted to think as follows: If A causes B, and A doesn't happen, then B doesn't happen either.
- EverestCTS In third conditional sentences, do both “if clause” and the main sentence with “would” need to be counter factual?
- That seems a reasonable assumption, but I imagine that it doesn't always work like that, so there may be exceptions.
- We are tempted to think as follows: If A causes B, and A doesn't happen, then B doesn't happen either.
- But then maybe Q causes B, too, and Q happened, so B happened even though A didn't happen.
- I think you have to take each case on its own terms, thinking of the context and the specific meaning of each clause.
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EverestCTSIn third conditional sentences, do both “if clause” and the main sentence with “would” need to be counter factual?
That seems a reasonable assumption, but I imagine that it doesn't always work like that, so there may be exceptions.
We are tempted to think as follows:
If A causes B, and A doesn't happen, then B doesn't happen either.
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