ESL Basic English Grammar Questions and Help

Re: 'If" Clause

Dan01 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:15:38 GMT

Thank you so much, Clive.

Dan.

Clive — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:03:14 GMT

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

Dan01 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:54:57 GMT

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