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Courtesy of the Gregg Reference Manual:
When an if clause states a condition that is highly improbable, doubtful, or contrary to fact, the verb in the if clause requires special treatment: to express present time, use the past tense; to express past time, use the past perfect tense.
EG: If I were you, I would take the job.
If I had been in your shoes, I would have taken the job.
When an if clause states a condition that is possible or likely, the verb requires no special treatment.
SO: If I go to San Francisco (and I probably will), I will want you to go with me.
If I were going to San Francisco (but I probably won't), I would want you to go with me.
The same treatment of verbs applies to with clauses as does to improbable contingencies.
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If I was or were?
des 02/02/2001 2:40 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Sparteye 02/02/2001 3:20 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Bobyoungbalt 02/02/2001 3:53 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
of troy 02/02/2001 4:15 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Bingley 02/04/2001 10:22 AM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
rkay 02/04/2001 11:33 AM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Bridget 02/05/2001 10:53 AM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Capital Kiwi 02/05/2001 3:48 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Hyla 02/05/2001 4:08 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
NicholasW 02/06/2001 11:00 AM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Jackie 02/06/2001 12:34 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
Bobyoungbalt 02/06/2001 4:06 PM ![]()
Re: If I was or were?
wsieber 02/06/2001 11:54 AM
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