0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Modal "would" correct in the if-clause?
Hi. I think we can use the modal "would" in the if-clause if some kind of corresponding action is expected between the parties noted in the sentence like this: If John would do this, Mark would do that.
What I mainly wanted to ask is this, "Is the sentence below correct?" I realize the sentence below has the phrase "only if," not "if," and the modal verb "could" instead of the modal verb "would" in the main clause, but despite that, I think we are looking at mainly the same structure. (I think I could very well be wrong.)
He told Jim that John could have it only if he would stop giving help.
Also, do you think back-shifting is done for what follows the word "that" in the above sentence? I don't think it has.
What I mainly wanted to ask is this, "Is the sentence below correct?" I realize the sentence below has the phrase "only if," not "if," and the modal verb "could" instead of the modal verb "would" in the main clause, but despite that, I think we are looking at mainly the same structure. (I think I could very well be wrong.)
He told Jim that John could have it only if he would stop giving help.
Also, do you think back-shifting is done for what follows the word "that" in the above sentence? I don't think it has.
Top answer
" -- Yes. -- It has been back-shifted. 'His' words: "Jim can have it only if he will stop giving help".
- " -- Yes.
- -- It has been back-shifted.
- 'His' words: "Jim can have it only if he will stop giving help".
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
"Is the sentence below correct?" -- Yes.
Also, do you think back-shifting is done for what follows the word "that" in the above sentence?-- It has been back-shifted. 'His' words: "Jim can have it only if he will stop giving help".
Also, do you think back-shifting is done for what follows the word "that" in the above sentence?-- It has been back-shifted. 'His' words: "Jim can have it only if he will stop giving help".
00
Thank you for your help.
Could you help me with these, too? For the sentences below, I think the use of the modal verb "would" in all three places gives the air of tentativeness than otherwise had it not been written without the modal verb "would." The past tenses are noted in parentheses. By the way, do you think the underlined verb form "had it not been written" (passive past p
Could you help me with these, too? For the sentences below, I think the use of the modal verb "would" in all three places gives the air of tentativeness than otherwise had it not been written without the modal verb "would." The past tenses are noted in parentheses. By the way, do you think the underlined verb form "had it not been written" (passive past p
0
Related Questions