If Chris and Jad met, they DISCUSSEDmathematics.

[kullayappayenugula]

hi,

Can somebody please clarify how "DISCUSSED" in correct in the below sentence? also how to identify a helping verb.


If Chris and Jad met, they DISCUSSED mathematics.


source SC guide Manhattan.

[manjari_srivastav]

Hi,

This is the case of conditional verb "if - then construction"

As the if clause is in simple past so there are only two possibility of the then clause (in this case then keyword is not present, which is also a form of the construct)

• Simple past which reflect fact or habit
  • Would verb which reflect uncertainity
  So they Discussed mathematics is correct as it is in simple past tense.