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Hello!I`d like to ask if there is any difference between two sentences, and are they both correct? For some time now I`ve noticed that I have a hard time differentiating between what is the proper grammar, and I`ve been speaking english for many years. It is disturbing1. If the king was good, the land would prosper.2. If the kings is good the land would prosper.

Nugso · Accepted Answer

1) If the king was good, the land would propser.

2) If the king is good, the land will prosper.

As for differences, does this link help you?

Fivejedjon · Answer

We can also say "If the king were good, the land would prosper".

Makabi · Answer

Thank you for the answer!

I`d like to ask, why is it that way?

Also what is more appropriate:

1.Do you think lobbyists would take the place of diplomats?

2.Do you think lobbyists will take the place of diplomats?

I cant seem to remember which was right and that bothers me alot.

Fivejedjon · Answer

MakabiI`d like to ask, why is it that way?

For unreal situations, we can use the subjunctive form of BE, which is 'were' for all persons of the verb. This is becoming rare in British English, except perhaps for the fossilised expression "If I were you".

Makabi · Answer

Thank you!

What about the example in my second post?

CalifJim · Answer

Makabi1.Do Did you think lobbyists would take the place of diplomats?

This is the more usual form for the past. It's asking about a past opinion.

Makabi2.Do you think lobbyists will take the place of diplomats?

This is the correct form for the present. It's asking about a present opinion.
___________________

You can add an if-clause, however, like this:

Do you think lobbyists would take the place of diplomats if the legislature changed the law?

This asks about a present opinion in the face a situation that is only proposed as a possibility.

If these ideas are separated into two sentences, you can end up with your first example. In the short dialog below, the first speaker brings up the proposal and the second speaker muses on the consequences of enacting such a proposal.

— The legislature is thinking about changing the law about lobbyists and diplomats.
— Really? Do you think lobbyists would take the place of diplomats (in that case)?

CJ

Makabi · Answer

So when I ask if lobbyists would take the place of diplomats, I should use would because it is imaginary?

What about an example with 'will'.

CalifJim · Answer

MakabiI should use would because it is imaginary?

Right.

MakabiWhat about an example with 'will'.

I gave you an example with "will" above.

CJ

Makabi · Answer

I`d like to ask one more question, I hope I`m not being a pest.

Is it correct to say: My grandfather has had 17 children and 52 grandchildren.
or: My grandfather has 17 children and 52 grandchildren.

CalifJim · Answer

MakabiMy grandfather has had 17 children and 52 grandchildren.

That doesn't sound right. It sounds like "gave birth to". You could have this:

My mother has had three children. (She may still [have / give birth to] more.)

MakabiMy grandfather has 17 children and 52 grandchildren.

This sounds perfectly normal.

CJ

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