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Pructus Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

If they weren't satisfied....

If they weren't satisfied, they would have complained by now.

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Hi,

The underlined "If they weren't satisfied"....

I guess it refers to the past situation. But some people think it refers to the present.

I also understand that it can refer both past and present, more so because it has 'by now" at the end of the sentence.

Then how about without "by now"?

Shouldn't we understand that "If they weren't satisfied" refers to the past?

If this question looks a little confusing or not to the point...

Then, how about the general structure of "IF + S + past verb, S + would have PP"?

ex: If he talked about it, they would have been mad with him.

If she heard what he said, she would have approved.
  

Top answer

pructus I guess it refers to the past situation. Yes. That's how I read it.

— CalifJim

  • pructus I guess it refers to the past situation.
  • Yes.
  • That's how I read it.
  • pructus Then how about without "by now"?
  • Same interpretation.
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2 Answers
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pructusI guess it refers to the past situation.
Yes. That's how I read it.

pructusThen how about without "by now"?
Same interpretation.

pructushow about the general structure of "IF + S + past verb, S + would have PP"?
ex: If he talked about it, they would have been mad with h
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I see...

Now I perfectly understand what this is about.

Thanks so much!!
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