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Henryh Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Unreal past?

Hello teachers,

Could someone please confirm / explain the use of the underlined parts below? Is the Past Simple used for the same reason as in the if clause / wish structure?

If he knew who I was, he wouldn't have talked to you like that. (Here I think I would have said '...I am ...')
If I won, I'd give him half of the money I got.
We all wished we knew where we were.
If you knew you had only six weeks to live what would you do?

Thanks a lot.

Regards,
Henry
  

Top answer

All the clauses dependent on another follow the tense sequence established by the governing clause. If he knows who I am, ... If he knew who I was, ...

— CalifJim

  • All the clauses dependent on another follow the tense sequence established by the governing clause.
  • If he knows who I am, ...
  • If he knew who I was, ...
  • I will give him half the money I get.
  • I would give him half the money I got.
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1 Answers
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All the clauses dependent on another follow the tense sequence established by the governing clause.

If he knows who I am, ...
If he knew who I was, ...

I will give him half the money I get.
I would give him half the money I got.

And so on.

CJ
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