will / would

[kohyoongliat]

I have confirmed my attendance at an oral test scheduled for July 17, 2007. However, should an earlier time slot become available, I will / would be able to attend on another date, even at short notice.

Which word should I use? And why should I use that word?

Thank you very much.

[Tdol]

'I would'- because it's an imaginary situation at the moment- we don't know whether a slot will become available or not.

[kohyoongliat]

Originally Posted by Tdol

'I would'- because it's an imaginary situation at the moment-
We don't know whether a slot will become available or not.

I have confirmed my attendance at an oral test scheduled for July 17, 2007. However, should an earlier time slot become (became) available, I would be able to attend on another date, even at short notice.

Since the later verb is 'would' , should the preceding verb be 'became' as indicated in bold above to be consistent with 'would'?

Thanks in advance.

[boothling]

You could say: "However, if an earlier time slot became available, I would be able to attend on another date..."

But in your original sentence the verb "become" remains in the present tense.

Why?

I don't know. Perhaps Tdol can help.

[kohyoongliat]

Hi Tdol

Could you please confirm whether what Boothling says is correct?

Thank you very much.

[kohyoongliat]

Originally Posted by boothling

You could say: "However, if an earlier time slot became available, I would be able to attend on another date..."

But in your original sentence the verb "become" remains in the present tense.

Why?

I don't know. Perhaps Tdol can help.

However, should an earlier time slot become available, I would be able to attend on another date..."

But in your original sentence the verb "become" remains in the present tense.

Why? Let me answer on behalf on Tdol because 'should' precedes 'become'. I didn't notice the word 'should' earlier.

[Tdol]