Tense

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Jandi  #45476  Tue, 14 Sep 04 03:34 AM
Hello, teachers!

Would you please check these sentences and correct them for me?

1. It will be good if you come to the party.
2. It would be good if you came to the party.
3. It would be better if we leave/left right now. [Can we use 'leave' here?]
4. We could play poker this evening if you come/came. [Can we use 'come' here?]

Thank you very much.
Peace!
  
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CalifJim  #45481  Tue, 14 Sep 04 04:15 AM
1. It will be good if you come to the party.

Grammatically correct, but I would not generate this sentence spontaneously.

2. It would be good if you came to the party.

Grammatically correct. I might generate this sentence.

3a. It would be better if we leave right now.
3b. It would be better if we left right now.

3b. is better. 3a. is possible. I would generate: We'd better leave right now.

4a. We could play poker this evening if you come.
4b. We could play poker this evening if you came.

4a. and 4b. are both possible. I don't find that I have a preference, well, maybe a slight preference for 4b. I would probably say: If you come over tonight, we can play poker. ("over" is "to my place" in this context.) But you didn't want a sentence with "can"! Sorry about that! Smile [:)]
  
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Jandi  #45483  Tue, 14 Sep 04 04:36 AM
Thank you for your kind and thorough answers (to mine and to others')! [Plus! Please forgive me for my stupid example sentences!]
I enjoy your answers.
Enjoy the promise of rain.
Thank you again.
  
CalifJim  #45488  Tue, 14 Sep 04 04:50 AM
Please! No apologies necessary for the example sentences. You were establishing a certain pattern that you needed to get your real questions answered regarding the grammar. I've been through all this myself before when I learned another language, so I understand completely where you're coming from. Wink [;)]
  
Jandi  #45496  Tue, 14 Sep 04 05:17 AM
How kind of you!!!
Enjoy the clouds and occasional sunshine!
  
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