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Teo Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
if he's staying tonight
"In clauses after if, we usually talk about uncertain events and situations: things which may or may not be true, etc.
1. Ask John if he's staying tonight. (He may or may not be staying.)
2. If I see Annie I'll give her your love. (I may or may not see Annie.)"
The above passage is quoted from Practical English Usage, second edition.
I feel that the if has different meanings in the examples. In #1, it means whether, introducing a noun clause. In #2, it introduces an adverbial clause. It is very misleading to use them as examples of the same category. Am I right?
Thank you very much for your reply.
1. Ask John if he's staying tonight. (He may or may not be staying.)
2. If I see Annie I'll give her your love. (I may or may not see Annie.)"
The above passage is quoted from Practical English Usage, second edition.
I feel that the if has different meanings in the examples. In #1, it means whether, introducing a noun clause. In #2, it introduces an adverbial clause. It is very misleading to use them as examples of the same category. Am I right?
Thank you very much for your reply.
Top answer
' ? Best wishes, Clive
- ' ?
- Best wishes, Clive
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1 Answers
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Hi,
But is it not true that in both of these sentences, the clause after if talks about 'uncertain events and situations: things which may or may not be true, etc.'?
Best wishes, Clive
But is it not true that in both of these sentences, the clause after if talks about 'uncertain events and situations: things which may or may not be true, etc.'?
Best wishes, Clive
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