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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Walls

Can you say:

I'm scared if the walls collapsed. - What does this mean?

Or

I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse.

Or

I'd be scared if the walls collapsed.

Are all useable and correct grammar? Do they have similar meaning?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

PreciousJones I'm scared if the walls collapsed. - What does this mean? It's ungrammatical and doesn't mean anything.

— Rover_KE

  • PreciousJones I'm scared if the walls collapsed.
  • - What does this mean?
  • It's ungrammatical and doesn't mean anything.
  • Perhaps it's supposed to be 'I'm scared that the walls might collapse'.
  • I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse.
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10 Answers
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PreciousJones I'm scared if the walls collapsed. - What does this mean? It's ungrammatical and doesn't mean anything. Perhaps it's supposed to be 'I'm scared that the walls might collapse'.
I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse. That's fine.
Rove
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Rover_KE PreciousJones I'm scared if the walls collapsed. - What does this mean? It's ungrammatical and doesn't mean anything. Perhaps it's supposed to be 'I'm scared that the walls might collapse'.I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse. That's fine.Rover
What about:

I'd be scared if the walls collapsed.
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Rover_KE
Does it have the same meaning as:

I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse?

Thanks again!!
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Rover_KEYes.
So why are there two ways to say it then?

Thanks!
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I'd be scared if the walls collapsed: Scared when the walls were down

I'd be scared if the walls were to collapse: Though not down yet, scared knowing they would.
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SurferI'd be scared if the walls collapsed: Scared when the walls were downI'd be scared if the walls were to collapse: Though not down yet, scared knowing they would.
The two definitions you gave me have different meanings. You had originally said they meant the same thing.

Doesn't, I'd be scared if the walls collapsed also mean the walls a
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PreciousJonesYou had originally said they meant the same thing.
Me? No, I didn't.
PreciousJonesDoesn't, I'd be scared if the walls collapsed also mean the walls aren't down yet, but if they did it'd be scary?
I don't understand what you mean by also, but yes.
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PreciousJones So why are there two ways to say it then?
English is very flexible. We have a number of different ways to say most things.

Rover
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