Boris Tatarenko
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2013
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Russian
- Home Country
- Russian Federation
- Current Location
- Russian Federation
Hello.
Somebody told me that native speakers usually said "if were + to-infinitive" instead of "if + past simple" in unreal condiationals (I don't remember what it calls properly). What would you say?
1a. If they were to hold an election now, the Republicans would undoubtedly lose.
1b. If they held an election now, the Republicans would undoubtedly lose.
2a. If this technology were to become available, I would be able to expand my business
2b. If this technology became available, I would be able to expand my business
3a. If this theater were to close, it would be no entertainment in the city.
3b. If this theater closed, it would be no entertainment in the city.
Personally, I'd definitely go for "b" sentences. What do you think?
Somebody told me that native speakers usually said "if were + to-infinitive" instead of "if + past simple" in unreal condiationals (I don't remember what it calls properly). What would you say?
1a. If they were to hold an election now, the Republicans would undoubtedly lose.
1b. If they held an election now, the Republicans would undoubtedly lose.
2a. If this technology were to become available, I would be able to expand my business
2b. If this technology became available, I would be able to expand my business
3a. If this theater were to close, it would be no entertainment in the city.
3b. If this theater closed, it would be no entertainment in the city.
Personally, I'd definitely go for "b" sentences. What do you think?