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Langtraveler Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

what if

Hello.

I wonder if there is any difference which can be made by the tense in 'what if' clause.

For example,

- What if I am poor?
What if I were poor?
- What if we met in front of your house?
What if we meet in front of your house?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Some examples of (US) usage: A: You're rich, so in this country you'll be treated like royalty. B: What if I'm poor (how would I be treated then in this country)? " can also be used here, but it sounds a little formal and stuffy.

— Anonymous

  • Some examples of (US) usage: A: You're rich, so in this country you'll be treated like royalty.
  • B: What if I'm poor (how would I be treated then in this country)?
  • " can also be used here, but it sounds a little formal and stuffy.
  • ] C: You want to meet at Mario's Restaurant?
  • I'm new in this town.
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3 Answers
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Some examples of (US) usage:

A: You're rich, so in this country you'll be treated like royalty.
B: What if I'm poor (how would I be treated then in this country)? ["What if I were poor?" can also be used here, but it sounds a little formal and stuffy. "What if I'm poor?" is more informal-sounding and gives the question more emotional impact.]

C: You want to meet at Mario
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langtravelerI wonder if there is any difference which can be made by the tense in 'what if' clause.
Whatever difference there is in the tenses, it doesn't have anything to do with "What if". You can use any tense that makes sense.

What if Julie won't help us? (future; will not = won't)
What if I want more? (present)
What if Gary has already
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Thank you Anonymous for informing the nuance and CJ for full explantion.
Both of your replies helped me a lot.
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