Musicgold Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Conditionals - would not be / would not have been
Hi,
Which one of the following sentences is the most appropriate in verbal communication?
Also, are there any differences among these sentences?
1. If our languages did not share words, we would not be able to communicate.
2. If our languages did not share words, we would not have been able to communicate.
3. Had our languages not shared words, we would not be able to communicate.
Thanks,
MG.
Which one of the following sentences is the most appropriate in verbal communication?
Also, are there any differences among these sentences?
1. If our languages did not share words, we would not be able to communicate.
2. If our languages did not share words, we would not have been able to communicate.
3. Had our languages not shared words, we would not be able to communicate.
Thanks,
MG.
Top answer
I would pick #3. The subjunctive (had) is used in hypothetical musings.
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I would pick #3. The subjunctive (had) is used in hypothetical musings.
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I don't see a reason to mix different types of conditionals.
I'd use the first example.
If + past, ... would .... (Second conditional.)
The others are a mixture of second and third conditional patterns.
CJ
I'd use the first example.
If + past, ... would .... (Second conditional.)
The others are a mixture of second and third conditional patterns.
CJ
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