time frame for "if-then" contruction.

This topic has expert replies
Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

time frame for "if-then" contruction.

by tanviet » Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:11 pm
"if did -then did " shows a fact/habit and so this construction must be in past. is that right ?

"if did-then would do" show uncertainty. But this construction is in past or in present or future ? This construction can not be in past.

"if had done-then would have done" is used only in the past. Is my thinking correct ?

in the sentence " if I were you, I would spend more money", the action can not be real but the construction "if did-then would do " is used . pls explain.


"if do-then will do" is used in present or future ? . Can you make comparison between "if do-then will do" and "if did-then would do" ? one construction shows certainty, other uncertainty. But what about time frame in which there constructions are used. Can both be used in present ?

pls help.
Source: — Sentence Correction |

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 646
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 am
Thanked: 322 times
Followed by:143 members

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Thu Jul 12, 2012 3:57 am
In clauses after "if", we usually talk about uncertain events and situations.
We sometimes construct sentences with if...then to emphasize that one thing depends on another.
e.g. If she can't come to us, then we'll have to go and see her.

The other structures you are referring to are "conditionals."
1st (if + present, will +infinitive) refers to the PRESENT/ FUTURE
2nd (if + past, would + infinitive) refers to the PRESENT/ FUTURE but it talks about UNREALISTIC/ HYPOTHETICAL actions

3rd (if + past perfect, would have + V3) refers to the PAST and also talks about UNREALISTIC actions/ events
Kasia
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT - the #1 rated GMAT course

"¢ If you found my post helpful, please click the "thank" button and/or follow me.

"¢ Take a 7 day free trial and find out why Economist GMAT is the highest rated GMAT course - https://gmat.economist.com/

"¢ Read GMAT Economist reviews - https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/economis ... mat-course

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 646
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 am
Thanked: 322 times
Followed by:143 members

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Thu Jul 12, 2012 3:59 am
You can also take a look at this thread:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/sc-question- ... tml#480411
Kasia
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT - the #1 rated GMAT course

"¢ If you found my post helpful, please click the "thank" button and/or follow me.

"¢ Take a 7 day free trial and find out why Economist GMAT is the highest rated GMAT course - https://gmat.economist.com/

"¢ Read GMAT Economist reviews - https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/economis ... mat-course

Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

by tanviet » Thu Jul 12, 2012 5:46 am
Thank you Kasia@mastergmat.

Pls, tell me the difference between the followings.

if I learned English, I would scored high on gmat

If I learn English, I will score high on gmat

what is difference between "if do-than will do" and "if did-than would do". pls, explane more

thank you.

Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

by tanviet » Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:16 am
pls, give an example of

1. if did-then would do UNREALISTIC
2. If did- then would do HYPOTHETICAL
3. If do -then will do

how dose 3 differ from 2. pls, explain.

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 646
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 am
Thanked: 322 times
Followed by:143 members

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:35 am
No problem.

If it rains tomorrow, the kids will stay at home.

If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world. - 2nd conditional, winning the lottery is rather unrealistic.
If I were you, I would change my job. - It is completely unrealistic to become somebody else.

If I had won the lottery last year, I would have bought a large house for my family.
Kasia
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT - the #1 rated GMAT course

"¢ If you found my post helpful, please click the "thank" button and/or follow me.

"¢ Take a 7 day free trial and find out why Economist GMAT is the highest rated GMAT course - https://gmat.economist.com/

"¢ Read GMAT Economist reviews - https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/economis ... mat-course

Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

by tanviet » Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:22 pm
Great Kasia@mastergmat.

one quetion more.

what is difference between

A, If today I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.
and
B, If today I win the lottery, I will travel around the world.

there are also other sentences following

C, tomorrow, If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.
and
D, tomorrow, If I win the lottery, I will travel around the world.

what is difference between A and C
and between B and D.

pls, help. Thank you

• Page 1 of 1