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Lcchang Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
if ... should ....
I know this grammar issue has been discussed countless times here, but I still have some confusion. So please look at the sentences below. They were found by me on the Internet.
If it should rain tomorrow, we will not go picnicking.
If it should rain tomorrow, the picnic will be cancelled.
If anyone should call, please take a message.
If you should have any free time, make sure you visit the old town.
If he should tell the truth, the case would be a lot easier.
The word "should" is used in all the if clauses. However, my question is, in the result clauses, you can see different tenses are used- past, present (imperative), future.... And that is why I am confused. Could anyone tell me if there's any rule to understand this "if... should..." pattern and the tense followed in the main clause?
If it should rain tomorrow, we will not go picnicking.
If it should rain tomorrow, the picnic will be cancelled.
If anyone should call, please take a message.
If you should have any free time, make sure you visit the old town.
If he should tell the truth, the case would be a lot easier.
The word "should" is used in all the if clauses. However, my question is, in the result clauses, you can see different tenses are used- past, present (imperative), future.... And that is why I am confused. Could anyone tell me if there's any rule to understand this "if... should..." pattern and the tense followed in the main clause?
Top answer
Lcchang the tense followed in the main clause With "If ... should", the tense in the main clause should be the future with will or the imperative. The last of your five sentences is a bit anomalous.
- Lcchang the tense followed in the main clause With "If ...
- should", the tense in the main clause should be the future with will or the imperative.
- The last of your five sentences is a bit anomalous.
- CJ
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1 Answers
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Lcchangthe tense followed in the main clauseWith "If ... should", the tense in the main clause should be the future with will or the imperative. The last of your five sentences is a bit anomalous.
CJ
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