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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Dependable

Wouldn't it help a lot if you had a dependable car to drive for two years? Or

Wouldn't it help a lot if you have a dependable car to drive for two years.

I'm planning to let my friend use my car free of charge for a couple years. That's the message I'm trying to convey above. Which one is the best answer?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Both are natural, but I would say that only the first is "technically" correct.

— RandomGuy

  • Both are natural, but I would say that only the first is "technically" correct.
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6 Answers
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Both are natural, but I would say that only the first is "technically" correct.
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Hi

I think the first one says "Suppose you had a dependable car now - wouldn't that help a lot?"

And the second says "Suppose you have a dependable car soon - won't that help a lot?"

It's up to you to choose. I think I prefer the second one, but both are good

Dave
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Aspara GusBoth are natural, but I would say that only the first is correct.
Why is only the first one correct, when in my mind I'm set on letting her use it for the duration of the lease. It's no longer hypothetical, so shouldn't it be better with have?

Thanks!
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dave_anonHiI think the first one says "Suppose you had a dependable car now - wouldn't that help a lot?"And the second says "Suppose you have a dependable car soon - won't that help a lot?"It's up to you to choose. I think I prefer the second one, but both are goodDave
So, I should change it to:

Won't it help a lot if you have a dependable car to driv
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PreciousJonesWhy is only the first one correct?
With wouldn’t, the verb in the if-clause should be past tense.
PreciousJonesWon't it help a lot if you have a dependable car to drive for a couple years.
That’s OK. Use whichever you want.
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Hi

Yes, I like that best...

- Won't it help a lot if you have a dependable car to drive for a couple years.

You are right to mention the hypothetical. In UK English, the point would be that it is hypothetical until your friend accepts the offer. In the UK we are especially polite, so we wouldn't assume that the friend will accept!...

Dave
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