What constructions should I use to speak hypothetically?
fuweilian
September 18, 2012, 10:39 PM posted in General DiscussionI'm trying to figure out if there is a grammatical pattern to be followed in speaking about a past hypothetical situation.
My teacher has set it up as "假如（circumstances),（subject）就（would have done something）。"
For example, if I wanted to say "If Al Gore had won Presidential election in 2000, then the United States would not have invaded Iraq."
I would say:
假如Al Gore 赢了2000的大选，美国就不会打击伊拉克。
Is this the best way to discuss hypothetical situations that would have taken place in the past? Thanks!
root
September 19, 2012, 03:56 AMWith the addition of the 了 even a plain 如果 looks like it can be used to represent a pure hypothetical, no?
like here
如果我是超人就好了。
This would be equivalent to "If I were superman, that would be swell", meaning a 100% hypotherical condition, methinks.
fuweilian
September 21, 2012, 01:01 PMThanks!
verazxl
September 19, 2012, 02:58 AMYes, I think it's preety good way. just make sure, you will use ‘了’ to make it past tense.