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Latest post Sun, Aug 30 2009 10:44 PM by Anonymous. 2 replies.
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Anonymous  +  880314 Sun, 30 Aug 09 09:54 PM
Hello,


Let's pretend that you're reading a book that talks about you. In the very first page there's a dedication. I don't know which sentence is the most appropriate:


"The book would have endless pages if it were to describe all the great things that you do"


or


"The book would have needed endless pages if it described all the great things that you do"


or anything else?


Thanks a lot!


Ant_222  +  880345 Sun, 30 Aug 09 10:26 PM
Hello,


I'd use the second type of conditional:

«If this book were to describe all the great things that you have done, it would be the tallest book in the world.»


Anton

Joined on Sun, May 21 2006
Podolsk, Russia
Contributing Member 1,717
Anonymous  suggested by Anonymous  +  880364 Sun, 30 Aug 09 10:44 PM
According to the "experts" whom I follow, both are "correct."  Both are perfect examples of the hypothetical conditional using the famous (terrifying?) subjunctive.  The book does NOT have endless pages, because it does NOT describe all the great things that you do. If we are at a party this moment, I might say "If Sue came, I would be astounded" or "If Sue were to come, I would be astounded."  (Sue hates parties.)  But careful: If Sue was at the party yesterday (a possibility), I certainly did not see her in the huge crowd. (P.S.  There are professional writers who might write: The book would have endless pages if it was...." and "If Sue were at the party yesterday...." Of course, I am no one to quarrel with them.)
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