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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
If clause doubt
Hello,
Let's pretend that you're reading a book that talks about you. In the very first page there's a dedication. I don't know which sentence is the most appropriate:
"The book would have endless pages if it were to describe all the great things that you do"
or
"The book would have needed endless pages if it described all the great things that you do"
or anything else?
Thanks a lot!
Let's pretend that you're reading a book that talks about you. In the very first page there's a dedication. I don't know which sentence is the most appropriate:
"The book would have endless pages if it were to describe all the great things that you do"
or
"The book would have needed endless pages if it described all the great things that you do"
or anything else?
Thanks a lot!
Top answer
» Anton
- » Anton
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2 Answers
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Hello,
I'd use the second type of conditional:
«If this book were to describe all the great things that you have done, it would be the tallest book in the world.»
Anton
I'd use the second type of conditional:
«If this book were to describe all the great things that you have done, it would be the tallest book in the world.»
Anton
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According to the "experts" whom I follow, both are "correct." Both are perfect examples of the hypothetical conditional using the famous (terrifying?) subjunctive. The book does NOT have endless pages, because it does NOT describe all the great things that you do. If we are at a party this moment, I might say "If Sue came, I would be astounded" or "If Sue were to come, I would be astounded." (
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