it would be a major blow

[Kontol]

How does "would" work in this sentence?

I look at a headline from the Mirror newspaper. The headline says "Ralf will adapt style for Ronaldo". "But knee injury fears for opener". Then the writer goes on to say:

"Ronaldo is a big doubt for Ralf Rangnick's debut in the Manchester United dugout as he nurses a knee injury. It would be a major blow for the new boss who vowed to adapt his tactics to get the best out of the talisman."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1466539932944502788

 

[5jj]

Context makes it clear that the absence of Ronaldo (if that were to happen) would be a blow for the boss.

The condition is implied.

 

[Kontol]

Because the condition is hidden, I don't know whether it's "if that happens (type 1, therefore mixed) or "if that were to happen (pure type 2), which is correct?

 

[5jj]

The implication of the use of 'would' tells us it's the hypothetical type. The implied conditional clause is 'If that happened/were to happen'

 

[Kontol]

But I'm sure the two forms are acceptable.

If the injury doesn't get better, it would be a major blow for United's new boss.
If the injury didn't/weren't to get better, it would be a major blow for United's new boss

 

[jutfrank]

I'm not sure you've quite understood what 5jj has said. Let me say it again. The implied hypothetical conditional is this:

If it were to be the case that Ronaldo is unfit to play, it would be a major blow for the new boss.

The first clause states a hypothetical state of affairs where Ronaldo's injury prevents him from starting. The second clause states the effect of this eventuality on Mr Rangnick. The first clause uses a past tense verb to show that it's hypothetical.

 

[Hunter Ashbolt]

5jj is absolutely right!

Not a teacher

 

[5jj]

But I'm sure the two forms are acceptable.

If the injury doesn't get better, it would be a major blow for United's new boss.

Although this mix of tenses is not rare in the spoken language, it would be better to regard this as less-than-perfect English rather than try to analyse precisely what it means.

 

[Rover_KE]

5jj is absolutely right!

Welcome to the forum, Hunter Ashbolt. 5jj will be delighted to have your approval.

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