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Pructus Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Will and would
Hello...
If you didn’t finish the job last night, the boss will be mad at you.
If you played with the animal when you were a child, it will remember you after ten years.
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Here, “didn’t finish” and “played” refer to the past, “will be mad” and “will remember” to the future.
How about if we change “will” to “would”?
“would be mad” and “would remember” still refer to the future?
Because to make it refer to the past, "would" has to be changed to "would have pp"?
If you didn’t finish the job last night, the boss will be mad at you.
If you played with the animal when you were a child, it will remember you after ten years.
********
Here, “didn’t finish” and “played” refer to the past, “will be mad” and “will remember” to the future.
How about if we change “will” to “would”?
“would be mad” and “would remember” still refer to the future?
Because to make it refer to the past, "would" has to be changed to "would have pp"?
Top answer
With "would", the sentences seem to be talking about what generally or habitually used to happen in the described circumstances. However, the subject matter of the sentences doesn't suit the interpretation well. The first one doesn't work at all as far as I can see (because "last night" seems to refer to one specific night), while the second seems marginal.
- With "would", the sentences seem to be talking about what generally or habitually used to happen in the described circumstances.
- However, the subject matter of the sentences doesn't suit the interpretation well.
- The first one doesn't work at all as far as I can see (because "last night" seems to refer to one specific night), while the second seems marginal.
- "If you didn't finish the job on time, the boss would get mad at you" would be fine, however.
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9 Answers
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With "would", the sentences seem to be talking about what generally or habitually used to happen in the described circumstances. However, the subject matter of the sentences doesn't suit the interpretation well. The first one doesn't work at all as far as I can see (because "last night" seems to refer to one specific night), while the second seems marginal. "If you didn't finish the job on time, t
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Thanks a lot, GPY!!
The reason that I thought out "If you didn’t finish the job last night, the boss will be mad at you." is to make it clear that it is abou the past. "on time" doesn't seem to be making it a past incident.
What I am trying to know is the structure, "if + past tense -- would", past tense meaning the past, would meaning the present or future.
The reason that I thought out "If you didn’t finish the job last night, the boss will be mad at you." is to make it clear that it is abou the past. "on time" doesn't seem to be making it a past incident.
What I am trying to know is the structure, "if + past tense -- would", past tense meaning the past, would meaning the present or future.
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pructusWhat I am trying to know is the structure, "if + past tense -- would", past tense meaning the past, would meaning the present or future.Generally speaking, I don't think "would" is likely to be the best choice in that case. It may be intelligible, but another modal, such as "will" or "should", will normally be preferable, I think. Having said that, som
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GPYWith "would", the sentences seem to be talking about what generally or habitually used to happen in the described circumstances.I should clarify ... this is with no context and assuming that correct English has been used. In a real situation, where you were obviously talking about the boss's reaction now to events of yesterday, "If you didn’t finish the jo
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I see.....
Thanks GPY!!
To make it more clear...
How about this eample?
I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday.
Below is better?
I will be surprised if Jane was at the party yesterday.
Thanks GPY!!
To make it more clear...
How about this eample?
I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday.
Below is better?
I will be surprised if Jane was at the party yesterday.
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pructusI'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday.This one works fairly well. "will" seems less likely here, but this is probably influenced by the fact that "I would be surprised" is a more common idiomatic expression anyway, independent of the context of your question.
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Thanks again, GPY!!
The intended meaning of "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday." is....
I'd be surprised (today, or now) if she was at the party yesterday.
Is the intended meaning being delivered well by "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday."?
The intended meaning of "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday." is....
I'd be surprised (today, or now) if she was at the party yesterday.
Is the intended meaning being delivered well by "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday."?
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pructusThe intended meaning of "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday." is....I'd be surprised (today, or now) if she was at the party yesterday.Is the intended meaning being delivered well by "I'd be surprised if she was at the party yesterday."?Yes.
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