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Topic: Past Future and Past Future Perfect |
17 December 2002 |
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Past future sounds a bit unrealistic, which is correct.
We use the past future tense to describe a condition of what would happen
if the present were different.
For example:
Would you promise me not to be angry if I tell you something?
If I knew her name, I would tell you.
If you came tomorrow, I would have more time to talk.
Another usage of past future or would is in polite questions or requests.
For example:
Would you like coffee or tea?
I would like a cup of tea, please.
I would be grateful if you could send me a catalogue and price lists.
Similar to past future, past future perfect is to describe a condition of what would happen
if the past had been different.
For example:
If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exam.
If you had asked me, I would have told you.
What would you have done if your parent had got divorced?
If you would like to review your if-clauses, you can refer to our former lessons.
The pattern of past future is would + base verb
while that of the past future perfect is would + have verb3.
Instead of would we can also use should might and could.
For example:
Could I have a cup of coffee, please?
I should have called you last night, but I was very tired.
I might have come over if you had given me a call.
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Exercise: Past Future and Past Future Perfect |
| Directions : Complete the sentences using the given verbs. There is more than one correct answer. |
 1. If you hadnt reminded me, I __________ (forget). |
| 2. I __________ (appreciate) your immediate action on this matter. |
| 3. You __________ (get) a 20% discount, if you had your member card with you. |
| 4. I __________ (have) finished my homework last night, but I didnt. |
| 5. _______ you _______ (wait) for a moment? |
| 6. I __________ (like) to try on this design of shoes in size 6, please. |
| 7. I __________ (catch) the bus if I had run a little bit faster. |
| 8. At the restaurant, I __________ (have) all I could eat for 5 pounds. |
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Answers |
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