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Tenjing Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

what is the difference in meaning?

If your father had still been alive, he would've felt very proud of you today. Vs. If your father were still alive, he would feel very proud of you today. I am too confused. What's the difference in meaning between these two sentences? Please help.
  

Top answer

tenjing If your father had still been alive, he would've felt very proud of you today. This is a full 3rd condition construction, which is overkilled in this sentence in my opinion. tenjing If your father were still alive, he would feel very proud of you today.

— Grammarfreak

  • tenjing If your father had still been alive, he would've felt very proud of you today.
  • This is a full 3rd condition construction, which is overkilled in this sentence in my opinion.
  • tenjing If your father were still alive, he would feel very proud of you today.
  • Or, " If you father were still live ( he passed away last year) he would be very proud of you today" To me, both are counter-factual statements.
  • The latter is more conversational.
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3 Answers
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tenjingIf your father had still been alive, he would've felt very proud of you today.
This is a full 3rd condition construction, which is overkilled in this sentence in my opinion.
tenjing If your father were still alive, he would feel very proud of you today.
Or, " If you father were
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grammarfreakThis is a full 3rd condition construction, which is overkilled in this sentence in my opinion.
What the **** does that mean? 'Overkilled'?
grammarfreaklso this is allowed: If you father were alive, he would have been very proud of your achievements.
Um, I thought that was what the original question was about.
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fivejedjonWhat the **** does that mean? 'Ovrkilled'?
Hey, ease up, don't get emotional. " Overkilled" meant how many people do you know who would use the full 3rd conditional form in everyday conversation ? I didn't say it was wrong; didn't I ? You don't have to like it. However, it is my opinion.
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