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Enchanted Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Didn't or don't

Merry Christmas:

A is talking to B about C. C told to A something about B earlier and wouldn't like A to tell B, but A just did.
A to B:" I'd really appreciate it if you didn't let C know. please."

What is A using didn't. What's the difference if A uses "...if you don't let C know"?

Thanks,

Ench
  

Top answer

Correct tenses in conditional sentences: I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell... I'll appreciate it if you don't tell... Unfortunately, however, many native speakers don't follow these sequences, so you might well hear: I'd appreciate it if you don't tell.

— Philip

  • Correct tenses in conditional sentences: I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell...
  • I'll appreciate it if you don't tell...
  • Unfortunately, however, many native speakers don't follow these sequences, so you might well hear: I'd appreciate it if you don't tell.
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4 Answers
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Correct tenses in conditional sentences:
I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell...
I'll appreciate it if you don't tell...

Unfortunately, however, many native speakers don't follow these sequences, so you might well hear: I'd appreciate it if you don't tell.
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PhilipCorrect tenses in conditional sentences:
I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell...
I'll appreciate it if you don't tell...

Unfortunately, however, many native speakers don't follow these sequences, so you might well hear: I'd appreciate it if you don't tell.
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Yoong LiatIs the first request more polite than the second?
Oh, yes! Definitely! "I'll appreciate it if ..." sounds almost commanding!
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EnchantedWhat Why is A using didn't. ?
Because of the would (I'd = I would) and the if. In this pattern, the past tense does not mean anything past. It's used, more or less, to create tense agreement with would.

... would
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