if doing algebra

[hhtt21]

"So while the expression is a completely valid equation you could write down if
doing algebra on paper, MATLAB doesn’t know what to do with it."

Would you explain the part "if doing algebra"? Is it ellipsis? I haven't come up with such a sentence ever.

Thank you.

Source: Matlab Demystified.

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

It's short for "if you were doing algebra".

 

[hhtt21]

It's short for "if you were doing algebra".

This is called ellipsis. Is it because of previous you that the following you could be ignored.

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

This is called ellipsis. Is it because of the previous "you" that the following "you" could be ignored?

The words "you were" are implied by the previous "you could". "You" establishes the subject and "could" establishes the tense.

Always mark words you're writing about by setting them in italics or surrounding them with quotation marks.

 

[hhtt21]

The words "you were" are implied by the previous "you could". "You" establishes the subject and "could" establishes the tense.

Always mark words you're writing about by setting them in italics or surrounding them with quotation marks.

I think both could and ing in if doing establish the tense.

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

I think both could and ing in if doing establish the tense.

Please re-write this in a new post using quotation marks to indicate text you are writing about.

 

[hhtt21]

Please re-write this in a new post using quotation marks to indicate text you are writing about.

I have already italized them. I think both "could" and "ing" in if doing establish the tense.

Is it O.K now?

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

I have already italized them. I think both "could" and "ing" in if doing establish the tense.

Is it O.K now?

No. Isn't "if doing" quoted text in your question?

 

[hhtt21]

No. Isn't "if doing" quoted text in your question?

I think both could and ing in "if doing" establish the tense. This is more precise.

Thank you.

 

[hhtt21]

There is no tensed form in "if doing".

But does not ing in "if doing" implies a continuity so implies a continuous tense ?

Thank you.

 

[hhtt21]

-ing ​forms do not, in themselves, show tense.

Some might not, but above if doing=if you were doing. So is -ing form used above does not point out the past continuous tense?

Thank you.

 

[hhtt21]

No. It is other verb forms in the sentence that tell us what tensed form of BE we would use if we were to use one.

Some might not, but above if doing=if you were doing. So is -ing form used above does not point out the past continuous tense?

Is not point out I used says the same thing what you have said i.e it tell us what tensed form of BE we would use if we were to use one.
Point out: Show indirectly.

Thank you.

 

[hhtt21]

No. It is other verb forms in the sentence that tell us what tensed form of BE we would use if we were to use one.

Do you mean by "other verb forms" could in the sentence that tell us what tensed form of BE we would use if we were to use one? Then would you please explain why -ing stands there if it is tenseless?
ow

-ing ​forms do not, in themselves, show tense.

The structure is could + if -ing. It might be the simple past instead of the past continuous. If -ing form does not give an evidence about the past continuous how can you distinguish between the past simple and the past continuous in that sentence?

Thank you.