which sentence is more correct.

Question

Which sentence sounds more correct...1.  If he just leave at first, nothing would occur.2.  If he just left at first, nothing would occur.Thanks!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Which sentence sounds more correct...

1. If he just leave at first, nothing would occur.

2. If he just left at first, nothing would occur.

I think you are trying to talk about the future, so 'at first' sounds odd. 'At first' is more often used to talk about two occasions in the past: At first I did this, but then I did that. Say something like

If he just left immediately, nothing would occur.

or If he just leaves immediately, nothing will occur.

Happen is a more common word than occur.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Actually, I was talking about the past...

Clive · Answer

Hi,

For the past, say If he had just left immediately, nothing would have happened.

Best wishes again, Clive

which sentence is more correct.

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