'If" Clause

Share on Facebook

Dan01

#491206 Thu, 20 Mar 08 08:54 PM

a: There are two versions If I am not wrong. One with a faster tempo than the other.

b: Would that you weren't...

Hi, in this case, is b trying to imply a weren't right?

A is trying to imply a condition so is it wrong to imply a negative state?

Thank you.

Dan

Joined on Sun, Feb 12 2006

New Member (49)

This is a live chat room, hosted on the chat page. You can also click here to see the chat in fullscreen.

Clive

#491238 Thu, 20 Mar 08 11:03 PM

Hi,

a: There are two versions if I am not wrong. One with a faster tempo than the other.

b: Would that you weren't...

Hi, in this case, is b trying to imply a isn't right? Yes. Roughly speaking, it means 'I wish that you were not wrong, but I think you are wrong'.

A is trying to imply a condition so is it wrong to imply a negative state? No, what b says is OK.

The construction 'Would that you . . . ' is rather literary.

Best wishes, Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (21,212)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

Dan01

#491255 Fri, 21 Mar 08 12:15 AM

Thank you so much, Clive.

Dan.