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When someone asks me to go out with him and I reply 'I would if I was not going to study tonight', is my response unreal since it's a type 2 conditional or what does its use imply?

I am kind of confused since type 2 conditionals are considered unreal. Please advice!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI reply 'I would if I was not going to study tonight',

It is a common, informal mixed conditional.

Anonymouss my response unreal since it's a type 2 conditional

Only the first part is C2; the second clause is indicative.

AnonymousPlease advice!

Please advise.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber AnonymousI reply 'I would if I was not going to study tonight',It is a common, informal mixed conditional.Anonymouss my response unreal since it's a type 2 conditionalOnly the first part is C2; the second clause is indicative.AnonymousPlease advice!Please advise.

Thanks, teacher.

So is the sentence considered real or unreal or should it not be looked at in this way since it is a mixed conditional?

Also, what type of conditional is the second part and what is indicative? Is basically a fact statement?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousSo is the sentence considered real or unreal or should it not be looked at in this way since it is a mixed conditional?

I think you can still consider it conditional, but the 'if' clause is more a decision than a possibility.

Anonymouswhat type of conditional is the second part and what is indicative?

I don't know what they'd call it; it is an indicative verb form used instead of the subjunctive.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber AnonymousSo is the sentence considered real or unreal or should it not be looked at in this way since it is a mixed conditional?I think you can still consider it conditional, but the 'if' clause is more a decision than a possibility.Anonymouswhat type of conditional is the second part and what is indicative?I don't know what they'd call it; it is an indicative verb form used instead of the subjunctive.

I see. Does considering it 'a decision' mean seeing it a real due to being indicative?

And, does 'indicative' mean a real fact statement?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes, that's the idea.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister MicawberYes, that's the idea.

Thanks, teacher.

And is the past tense 'was' in the if clause (indicative part) used just to match the past tense 'would' at the beginning of the sentence?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousAnd is the past tense 'was' in the if clause (indicative part) used just to match the past tense 'would' at the beginning of the sentence?

In casual English, yes.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber AnonymousAnd is the past tense 'was' in the if clause (indicative part) used just to match the past tense 'would' at the beginning of the sentence?In casual English, yes.

I see. What would be the difference in formal English? Wouldn't the matching be used?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousWhat would be the difference in formal English?

'I would if I were not going to study tonight.'

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