How to use unreal conditions of the future In English? My friend is asking to see a movie with her this afternoon. However, I will have an exam at that time and I will be unable to go with her. so I s

Accedi

John

How to use unreal conditions of the future In English? My friend is asking to see a movie with her this afternoon. However, I will have an exam at that time and I will be unable to go with her. so I say, I'll have to take an exam this afternoon. If I didn't have to, I would go with you. But this seems strange, because "If I didn't have to, I would go with you. " means something at present, rather than in the future. so how should I see, or could you suggest another way to say so.

26 nov 2015 04:18

Risposte · 4

The phrase "If I didn't have to, I would go with you" is actually in the "subjunctive mood," which expresses possibility and even though the verbs are in their present tense forms, it is understood you are making a reference to the future. There is no way to use a future tense verb in a phrase like this, so either the present or past forms are used. Therefore, how you phrase it here is perfectly fine.

26 novembre 2015

Non hai ancora trovato le tue risposte?

Scrivi le tue domande e lascia che i madrelingua ti aiutino!