ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Sentences of Unreal Condition

Vecta — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:07:59 GMT

I see. I'll keep in mind it. Thank you :)

Re: Sentences of Unreal Condition

Philip — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:24:55 GMT

Vecta
Thank you, Cool Breeze :) I knew there was something wrong in that book :)

Not really 'wrong''...just a bit archaic (but not by more than about 50 years).

Re: Sentences of Unreal Condition

Vecta — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:37:11 GMT

Thank you, Cool Breeze :) I knew there was something wrong in that book :)

Re: Sentences of Unreal Condition

Cool Breeze — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:23:42 GMT

Vecta
"I would kill myself today if I didn't believe that tyranny and injustice must end."

Is the last sentence correct too?

Yes. Your grammar book must be very old. Some elderly British people may still use should instead of would in sentences like yours, but would is very common even in British English. Some young Americans might consider your sentence wrong!

Should is used in a number of ways but the most common use is this: If you want to catch your train, you should leave now. (= It would be a good idea for you to leave now.)

Sentences of Unreal Condition

Vecta — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:26:35 GMT

Here is one sentence-example from my grammar book:

"I should kill myself today if I didn't believe that tyranny and injustice must end."

My grammar book says that should is used with the first person singular and plural, would is used with the second and third persons singular and plural.

But may be I can use would:

"I would kill myself today if I didn't believe that tyranny and injustice must end."

Is the last sentence correct too?