Thursday 15 October 2009

Grammar: Third Conditional (Add-ons answer)

Yes, this entry is posted late, on Thursday, because I did not receive replies for the previous questions I posted. Now that I have, here is the answer to the previous article:

1) If I had left home earlier, I would have caught the first bus.
(But I didn't leave home earlier, I left home late, so I missed the first bus)

2) If I had left home earlier, I wouldn't have caught the first bus.
(I didn't leave home earlier, I left home late, but because of that, I saw the news and realised that there was a change of bus route, so I went to another bus stop, and I still caught the bus)

3) If I hadn't left home earlier, I would have caught the first bus.
(I left home earlier, but I ran into a police who caught me jaywalking, that delayed my time and I missed the first bus)

4) If I hadn't left home earlier, I wouldn't have caught the first bus.
(I left home earlier, so I caught the first bus)

So, all the correct answers are, there are no repeated situations.

C, need to try harder.

Phy, you are right for all sentences, but a little explanation would be better.

Mei, you are close.

Gladys, well done, very detailed and organised, you have got it spot on for the mood of the sentences, but the time implied in the condition wasn't so really linked up to the results. The tricky thing in my questions is the term "first bus". If I just say "bus", you will be very correct, but since this is the first one, then you need to be careful why in 2) that I still caught the first bus even if I left home late.

Everyone, study the answers carefully. Get back to me if you have anymore doubts. If it crucial that you understand the logic perfectly well.

Do you want more questions? I can think of more!

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