ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Conditional or not?

CalifJim — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:13:15 GMT

1, They began asking us several months ago if we would stay. Not a conditional at all. if/whether we would stay is an indirect question.
2. I said I would stay if I could do two shows a night.-- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal) Yes. Type 2.
3. If there would be a church in this neighborhood, it would be ideal. -- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal) If there were a church ... Type 2.
4. If there were a Burnham wood in ***, they probably would have shipped it. -- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal) Mixed conditional. 2 and 3.

Re: Conditional or not?

Huevos — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:24 GMT

Hello Anonymous,

Avoid using the word "would" in the "if" clause of your conditional sentences. Use the present (type 1), simple past (type 2) or past perfect (type 3).

Conditional or not?

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:11:29 GMT

Hi,
Please tell me if my assumptions are correct.
1, They began asking us several months ago if we would stay. -- looks to be a type 1 conditional like "They began asking us several months ago if we could stay."
2. I said I would stay if I could do two shows a night.-- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal)
3. If there would be a church in this neighborhood, it would be ideal. -- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal)
4. If there were a Burnham wood in ***, they probably would have shipped it. -- looks to be a type 2 conditional (unreal)
But, this doesn't look to be any type of condtional. Or could it be a type 1 conditional?
Would you pass me the paper if you have an extra one?
So, is it the fact that if you have an if-clause and a clause that comes after it, it is a conditional sentence, whether in question form or sentence(?) form?