Can we use perfect in 'if clause type 2' sentences? Can we use perfect in 'if clause type 2' sentences? E.g. 'If I had known he were in hospital right now, I would by him some fruits'I saw it in Murph

Yegor

Can we use perfect in 'if clause type 2' sentences?

Can we use perfect in 'if clause type 2' sentences? E.g. 'If I had known he were in hospital right now, I would by him some fruits'

I saw it in Murphy blue grammar book.

May 7, 2018 6:46 AM

Comments · 2

Yes, as Murphy says, you can certainly mix conditionals. However, the example you gave doesn't really make any sense. In this scenario, both clauses should refer to past time time : "'If I had known he was in hospital, I would have bought him some fruit". You didn't know he was in hospital and you didn't buy any fruit - both refer to past time, not present. The fact that he is still in hospital at the moment is irrelevant: the statement refers to your ignorance of his hospitalisation and your failure to buy fruit, both of which 'occurred' in the past.

May 7, 2018