Henryh Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Unreal past?
Hello teachers,
Could someone please confirm / explain the use of the underlined parts below? Is the Past Simple used for the same reason as in the if clause / wish structure?
If he knew who I was, he wouldn't have talked to you like that. (Here I think I would have said '...I am ...')
If I won, I'd give him half of the money I got.
We all wished we knew where we were.
If you knew you had only six weeks to live what would you do?
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Henry
Could someone please confirm / explain the use of the underlined parts below? Is the Past Simple used for the same reason as in the if clause / wish structure?
If he knew who I was, he wouldn't have talked to you like that. (Here I think I would have said '...I am ...')
If I won, I'd give him half of the money I got.
We all wished we knew where we were.
If you knew you had only six weeks to live what would you do?
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Henry
Top answer
All the clauses dependent on another follow the tense sequence established by the governing clause. If he knows who I am, ... If he knew who I was, ...
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All the clauses dependent on another follow the tense sequence established by the governing clause.
If he knows who I am, ...
If he knew who I was, ...
I will give him half the money I get.
I would give him half the money I got.
And so on.
CJ
If he knows who I am, ...
If he knew who I was, ...
I will give him half the money I get.
I would give him half the money I got.
And so on.
CJ
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