Friday, 13 May 2011

UNTRUE (CONTRARY TO FACT) IN THE PAST

(a) If you had told me about the problem, I would have helped you.
(b) If they had studied, they would have passed the exam.
(c) If I hadn't slipped on the ice, I wouldn't have broken my arm.

In (a): In truth, you did not tell me about it.
In (b): In truth, they did not study, they failed the exam.
In (c): In truth, I slipped on the ice. I broke my arm.

Note: The auxiliary verbs are almost always contracted  in speech. "If you'd told me, I would've helped you (Or I'd've helped you)."


Cheers!
Naeem

Source(s):
Understanding and Using English Grammar by Betty Schrampfer Azar

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