In Numbers^x, Conditionals^x, Past perfect^x

They are all correct. For lengthier discussions with lots of examples of the use of the past perfect tense after before , see Re: before past perfect tense , past tense and Re: Past Simple or Past Perfect . This is a common pattern for expressing "interruptive relationships" between...

The condition is that the if clause may be fulfilled. In your sentences it is already impossible to fulfil the if clause making the sentences purely hypothesis. This is known as a type III conditional and is formed thus: if + past perfect + would + have + past participle . A conditional formed...

, (then) ... would have ... UNREAL, COUNTERFACTUAL *The past is sometimes called the past subjunctive in this position. Only the verb to be has a special form ( were in all persons and numbers) in this position. Other combinations of tenses in these kinds of if patterns have no...

This situation is a little different than your type III conditional formula is intended for. The speaker is not in Ian's position, so the phrase is a "condition contrary to fact". In that situation a formal speaker or writer would use the subjunctive mood of the verb rather than indicative or...

Thank you all for answering my post. The problem I see is NOT the contrast beween rules and exceptions, or between grammar and spoken language, BUT, basically, the lack of unanimity on what is correct and what is wrong. After Marius' and Tam's examples, it was pretty clear that the...

Original sentence: 1. If we now redirect the standard input of the wc -l command to come from user.lst, we would have effectively counted the number of users. (Why is past perfect used here and what does the sentence mean?) My change: 2. If we now redirect the standard input of the wc...

Hello Jack In number 3, you need an extra 'had'. It's easier to see if you switch the clauses round: 3a. 'If they 'd had it in stock, I could have made half a grand.' This gives the usual 'type 3 conditional' structure: past perfect in IF clause, with 'would/could/might have' + past...

Given that the party is over and that you met the person a couple of days later, then we must use sentence 1, as taiwandave said, with or without inversion. Had I known your telephone number, I would have invited you to the party. OR If I had known your telephone number, I would have invited...