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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
IF + Condition + Result as example - Present or Future in general?
I have observed that texts like using "IF + Condition + Result" to introduce or explain something. But what I have found is that "IF + Condition + Result" can refer to the present or future.
Below is a modified example from a text:-
"If A sub-leases a piece of land to B (IF-Clause), A may want impose covenants on B, and these covenants will be enforceable by A against B (Result-Clause)".
Analysis:-
1) It can refer to the present because: the IF-Clause containing a non-action verb in the present simple. Thus, the IF-Clause can be a present condition. Similarly, "want" is a non-action verb, and thus, "A may want" = "perhaps, A wants" in the present. "will be enforceable" = "can be enforceable" in the present.
2) It can refer to the future because: "will" in the IF-Clause is omitted. Thus, it can be a future condition. "A may want" = "perhaps, A will want" in the future. "will be enforceable" = "will be enforceable" in the future.
My question is whether in general the authors of texts intend "IF + Condition + Result" to refer to the present or future?
Below is a modified example from a text:-
"If A sub-leases a piece of land to B (IF-Clause), A may want impose covenants on B, and these covenants will be enforceable by A against B (Result-Clause)".
Analysis:-
1) It can refer to the present because: the IF-Clause containing a non-action verb in the present simple. Thus, the IF-Clause can be a present condition. Similarly, "want" is a non-action verb, and thus, "A may want" = "perhaps, A wants" in the present. "will be enforceable" = "can be enforceable" in the present.
2) It can refer to the future because: "will" in the IF-Clause is omitted. Thus, it can be a future condition. "A may want" = "perhaps, A will want" in the future. "will be enforceable" = "will be enforceable" in the future.
My question is whether in general the authors of texts intend "IF + Condition + Result" to refer to the present or future?
Top answer
"IF + Condition + Result" to refer to the present or future ,this is a common form ,people use it in most cases .
- "IF + Condition + Result" to refer to the present or future ,this is a common form ,people use it in most cases .
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1 Answers
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"IF + Condition + Result" to refer to the present or future ,this is a common form ,people use it in most cases .
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