If clause

Question

Do native speaker think about "if clause" when they use would in the sentence? I just would like to know since non-native speakers tend to think about "if clause" first and then use "would". I would appreciate your response.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

anonymousDo native speaker think about "if clause" when they use would in the sentence?

No, we do not think about anything except the topic.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

anonymous since non-native speakers tend to think about "if clause" first and then use "would".

There are many cases where we do not use "would" after an if-clause. There are many cases when we use "would" but there is no if-clause. So we think about what we mean to say first.

If it is raining, I put on my raincoat.
Would you like a cup of tea?

CalifJim · Answer

anonymousDo native speakers think about "if clause" when they use 'would' in the sentence?

Never.

anonymousnon-native speakers tend to think about "if clause" first and then use "would"

That's because they haven't mastered English yet. They have more reading, writing, listening, and speaking to do.

The use of "would" (or any other word) cannot be reduced to a few rules that you apply to produce sentences through a process of calculation. You have to get familiar enough with the various ways a word is used by hearing it or seeing it over and over again in different contexts. In short, you have to acquire a "feel" for what the word truly means — and that true meaning is not something you can find in a dictionary.

CJ

If clause

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