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Joeviee Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
If (past or present tense?)
Dear all,
I have a query here about the correct tenses to be used after 'IF'.
Example:
1a. "We wouldn't be going ahead if we weren't confident that there was a good chance for a good outcome," Dr. Christopher Moir. (original)
1b. "We will not be going ahead if we are not confident that there is good chance for a good outcome. (my suggestion)
Any difference between the these two sentences?
2a. Alice would be happy if she knew Danny was being sacked.
2b. Alice will be happy if she knew Danny was being sacked.
2c. Alice would be happy if she knows Danny is being sacked.
2d. Alice will be happy if she knows Danny is being sacked.
Which sentence is correct?
3a. I won't be going abroad if my mum needs (needed) someone besides her.
Any useful website about english grammar is welcomed here:)
I have a query here about the correct tenses to be used after 'IF'.
Example:
1a. "We wouldn't be going ahead if we weren't confident that there was a good chance for a good outcome," Dr. Christopher Moir. (original)
1b. "We will not be going ahead if we are not confident that there is good chance for a good outcome. (my suggestion)
Any difference between the these two sentences?
2a. Alice would be happy if she knew Danny was being sacked.
2b. Alice will be happy if she knew Danny was being sacked.
2c. Alice would be happy if she knows Danny is being sacked.
2d. Alice will be happy if she knows Danny is being sacked.
Which sentence is correct?
3a. I won't be going abroad if my mum needs (needed) someone besides her.
Any useful website about english grammar is welcomed here:)
Top answer
Hi, yes it does make a difference. 1a - They are definitely going ahead. They are confident that there is a good chance for a good outcome.
- Hi, yes it does make a difference.
- 1a - They are definitely going ahead.
- They are confident that there is a good chance for a good outcome.
- 2a They are still considering whether to go ahead or not.
- They are not sure yet whether there is a good chance for a good outcome.
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4 Answers
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Hi, yes it does make a difference.
1a - They are definitely going ahead. They are confident that there is a good chance for a good outcome.
2a They are still considering whether to go ahead or not. They are not sure yet whether there is a good chance for a good outcome.
2a. and 2d.
3a needs.
1a - They are definitely going ahead. They are confident that there is a good chance for a good outcome.
2a They are still considering whether to go ahead or not. They are not sure yet whether there is a good chance for a good outcome.
2a. and 2d.
3a needs.
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Thanks for your reply nona.
I'm afraid your reply is rather ambiguous. As you said 2(a) is correct and so does 3(a) Needs, but if you noticed the sentences structure were similar but in 2(a) you suggested past tense to be used after 'if' while 3(a) you actually suggested present tense.
Why is there a difference?
And how about this one?which one is correct?
Eg:
I'm afraid your reply is rather ambiguous. As you said 2(a) is correct and so does 3(a) Needs, but if you noticed the sentences structure were similar but in 2(a) you suggested past tense to be used after 'if' while 3(a) you actually suggested present tense.
Why is there a difference?
And how about this one?which one is correct?
Eg:
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In 2a the 'would' is not past tense. (You are thinking of 'would have been' perhaps?)
Encarta Dictionary (UK)
Would. core meaning: Used to express the sense of ‘will’ in reported speech or when referring to an event that has not happened yet.
Used with if clauses
Used in stating what will, or suggesting what might, happen under the circumstances described in th
Encarta Dictionary (UK)
Would. core meaning: Used to express the sense of ‘will’ in reported speech or when referring to an event that has not happened yet.
Used with if clauses
Used in stating what will, or suggesting what might, happen under the circumstances described in th
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Thanks again nona.
I'm sorry if my question wasn't clear. I knew 'would' is not past tense, and i'm more interested about the tenses to be used after the 'if' clause.
In your examples, you suggested the following:
1. You would know him if you saw him.
2. My mother would be annoyed if I were late.
And my question is, why past tense is used afte
I'm sorry if my question wasn't clear. I knew 'would' is not past tense, and i'm more interested about the tenses to be used after the 'if' clause.
In your examples, you suggested the following:
1. You would know him if you saw him.
2. My mother would be annoyed if I were late.
And my question is, why past tense is used afte
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