Re: Sequence of tenses (#4)
The "sequence of tenses" is not very useful, I'm afraid.
In each case, the present tense indicates that the condition is very possible. It is possible that "this" in example 1 will turn out true; it is possible that the company will take anti-takeover measures; and it is possible that the political party will field its own candidate.
In if-clauses, we use the past tense to indicate that a condition is highly improbable, impossible or unreal:
If the moon was made of cheese... (but it's not made of cheese)
If pigs could fly... (but pigs can't fly)
If I lived in Australia... (but I live in Germany)
Re: Sequence of tenses (#4)
I see, so does it mean that these three sentences are gramatically correct just as written (= underlined parts with the present tense)? Do you mean that I should change these underlined parts only if these "if-clauses" indicate the condition which is highly improbable, impossible, or unreal? Is my understanding correct?
By the way, does this principle apply to formal writing as well?