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nawee
Joined: 29 Apr 2006
Posts: 400
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 Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:56 am Post subject: If she would have listened,... |
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Hello,
In American English, is it acceptable to have "would have + past participle" in both clauses?
If she would have listened to us, she would not have been fired.
Thank you,
Nawee |
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cgage2
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Posts: 192
Location: US
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| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:20 am Post subject: |
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I don't see a problem with this.
I think that "If she had listened...." works well also and doesn't have the repetitive sound which which might be stylistically a little awkward.
Some of you advanced students should be aware that in addition to correct grammar, there is also the issue of an aesthetically pleasing style. |
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CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
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| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:58 pm Post subject: |
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Although people do use the construction with "would have" in both parts, it is not correct. The sequence of tenses is illustrated here:
If she had listened to us, she would not have been fired.
If she listened to us, she would not be fired.
If she listens to us, she will not be fired.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
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