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Pongy Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Question about what tense to use in this kind of sentences.

Hi, I have a question regarding what tense to use in sentences that start with "If". From what I know sentences like "If I were there", and "If there was" the word "were" and "was" are in past tense. However, I'm still very confused. For instance, if I were to say "If you go to...", there isn't a need for the word "go" to be in past tense, is it? So I'm unsure on which occasion should I use past and present tense in the sentences that start with the word "If".

Sorry if the question is not clear, I don't really know how to put it.

Also, please help me check the structure/grammar of this sentence whether it is correct:

"My project idea has yet to be approved anyway, so if I force a start then redoing is a possibility."

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

The present tense is used when you are speaking of a present or future possibility: If you go to the zoo today, you will see a polar bear. The 'past' tense is used when you are speaking of an impossible or very unlikely present or future: If you went to the North Pole today, you would see a polar bear. ) start, then redoing it is a possibility.

— Mister Micawber

  • The present tense is used when you are speaking of a present or future possibility: If you go to the zoo today, you will see a polar bear.
  • The 'past' tense is used when you are speaking of an impossible or very unlikely present or future: If you went to the North Pole today, you would see a polar bear.
  • ) start, then redoing it is a possibility.
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4 Answers
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The present tense is used when you are speaking of a present or future possibility:

If you go to the zoo today, you will see a polar bear.

The 'past' tense is used when you are speaking of an impossible or very unlikely present or future:

If you went to the North Pole today, you would see a polar bear.

I'm not sure of th
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Mister MicawberThe present tense is used when you are speaking of a present or future possibility:

If you go to the zoo today, you will see a polar bear.

The 'past' tense is used when you are speaking of an impossible or very unlikely present or future:

If you went to the North Pole today, you would see a po
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Oh, I see. I suggest that a very natural way of expressing that would be:

My project idea has yet to be approved anyway, so if I go ahead and start, then I may have to redo it.
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conditional sentences are four types: the first is called probable condition in the future like if i see you at the party tomorrow, i will give the prize. if we meet in the conference hall tonight, we will take a group photo. the second is an unreal condition, or contrary to the fact condition or improbable condition or impossible condition to be fulfilled in the present time because there is no
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