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SanFran Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Past condition

Suppose we are talking about Joseph's wealth (or lack thereof):

"If he had more money, when the new model Toyota became/becomes available, he would be able to buy it.

Should I use present tense or past tense for "become"?
  

Top answer

There are two possibilities: 1) The condition of the Toyota is part of the unreal condition If he had more money and the new model Toyota became available, he would be able to buy it. 2) The condition of the Toyota being manufactured is not an unreal condition, but a certainty: "If he had more money, he would be able to buy the new model Toyota when it becomes available.. The way you wrote it is not as clear, due to the placement of the clause.

— AlpheccaStars

  • There are two possibilities: 1) The condition of the Toyota is part of the unreal condition If he had more money and the new model Toyota became available, he would be able to buy it.
  • 2) The condition of the Toyota being manufactured is not an unreal condition, but a certainty: "If he had more money, he would be able to buy the new model Toyota when it becomes available..
  • The way you wrote it is not as clear, due to the placement of the clause.
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3 Answers
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There are two possibilities:
1) The condition of the Toyota is part of the unreal condition

If he had more money and the new model Toyota became available, he would be able to buy it.

2) The condition of the Toyota being manufactured is not an unreal condition, but a certainty:

"If he had more money, he would be able to buy the new model Toyota when it becomes availa
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Thanks so much for your reply, AlpheccaStars!

Suppose that a new model Toyota comes out every year, independent of Joseph's net worth. Then "becomes", not "became", should be used?
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Yes. It is not a hypothetical condition, so use the simple present.
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