the way/for/that/if

[navi tasan]

Which is correct:

1-The only way to carry it is for me to hold the heavy end and for you to hold the light end.
2-The only way to carry it is that I hold the heavy end and you hold the light end.
3-The only way to carry it is if I hold the heavy end and you hold the light end.

 

[Horsa]

The first is fine by me. The second I don't like at all. The third needs a comma but I've heard people say it often.

 

[riverkid]

Which is correct:

1-The only way to carry it is for me to hold the heavy end and for you to hold the light end.
2-The only way to carry it is that I hold the heavy end and you hold the light end.
3-The only way to carry it is if I hold the heavy end and you hold the light end.

I agree with Horsa except I think that the second could be used if someone was being quite strident about thr proper way to do this.

 

[Horsa]

Yes Riverkid is right - the second would be acceptable if, for example, there were some dispute between the two parties as to the best way to do it.

 

[riverkid]

Yes Riverkid is right - the second would be acceptable if, for example, there were some dispute between the two parties as to the best way to do it.

I agree with Horsa agreeing with me.