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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Future in 'If' Clause
Hello,
I've read from English grammar books that there is no future in 'if' clause, meaning one should avoid using will or would herein. However, I've also read from some books, which I believe were written by native English-speaking authors, wrote:
1. I wonder if I will pass the test tomorrow.
2. I can tell you if you'll lose weight in just two weeks' time.
3. We can discuss that later, if i'll be lucky to win the contest.
4. Hand me the document if you would, please.
If the the sentences above are incorrect, how do I correct them?
Thank you for your assistance.
I've read from English grammar books that there is no future in 'if' clause, meaning one should avoid using will or would herein. However, I've also read from some books, which I believe were written by native English-speaking authors, wrote:
1. I wonder if I will pass the test tomorrow.
2. I can tell you if you'll lose weight in just two weeks' time.
3. We can discuss that later, if i'll be lucky to win the contest.
4. Hand me the document if you would, please.
If the the sentences above are incorrect, how do I correct them?
Thank you for your assistance.
Top answer
The future is avoided when it appears in the main clause: If I see you, I will greet you. I'll buy you a sandwich if you give me the money. As for your example sentences, only #3 sounds wrong; it should read 'if I'm lucky enough'.
- The future is avoided when it appears in the main clause: If I see you, I will greet you.
- I'll buy you a sandwich if you give me the money.
- As for your example sentences, only #3 sounds wrong; it should read 'if I'm lucky enough'.
- #4 is a different use of 'would'-- there it is a polite form.
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7 Answers
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The future is avoided when it appears in the main clause:
If I see you, I will greet you.
I'll buy you a sandwich if you give me the money.
As for your example sentences, only #3 sounds wrong; it should read 'if I'm lucky enough'. #4 is a different use of 'would'-- there it is a polite form.
If I see you, I will greet you.
I'll buy you a sandwich if you give me the money.
As for your example sentences, only #3 sounds wrong; it should read 'if I'm lucky enough'. #4 is a different use of 'would'-- there it is a polite form.
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Thank you for your answer. I see 'would' in #4 is just a polite form. Is it the same with 'would like', but it's just that 'like' in the example sentence could be omitted?
Hand me the document, if you would (like), please.
Hand me the document, if you would (like), please.
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Your understood rule about if in future clauses refers to conditional sentences. Therefore: 1 and 2 are correct, because if = whether; 4 is correct because it's a polite request; 3 is wrong because it is a conditional sentence.
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AnonymousI've read from English grammar books that there is no future in 'if' clauseTrue, but this "rule" doesn't apply to indirect questions, as in #1 and #2.
I don't know if he'll be here on time. [from Will he be here on time?]
Nor does it apply in reciprocal bargaining suggestions.
If you'll buy the pizz
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Thanks, Philip and CJ, for your inputs. They are very much appreciated.
Just to confirm my understanding, I have the following questions:
1. Is it an absolute rule to always use future tense in if clauses with regard to reciprocal bargaining suggestions? Otherwise, the following sentence is also acceptable, going back to the rule with 1st conditionals.
Just to confirm my understanding, I have the following questions:
1. Is it an absolute rule to always use future tense in if clauses with regard to reciprocal bargaining suggestions? Otherwise, the following sentence is also acceptable, going back to the rule with 1st conditionals.
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AnonymousIs it an absolute rule to always use future tense in if clauses with regard to reciprocal bargaining suggestions?No. They often follow the usual pattern for first conditionals as you have shown.
Anonymouswhich is usually used?I don't know. I suspect it may be about 50-50.
CJ
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Thanks for the clarification.
Cheers!
CalifJimI don't know. I suspect it may be about 50-50.Just wanted to be one of the majority speakers that's why I thought of the question, but in this case it may be 50-50 as you've said. I guess it's not really of importance, though.
Cheers!
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