CONDITIONAL CLAUSES: USAGE RULES
Common structures with if:
If demand drops, prices fall too. GENERAL RULE
If demand drops, we will adjust our price. REAL POSSIBILITY
If demand dropped, prices would fall too. HYPOTHETICAL
If demand had dropped, prices wouldn't have DIDN'T HAPPEN
gone up.
The main thing to remember is that will or would generally does NOT occur in the
if-clause, but only in the main clause.
Exceptions:
I doubt if he would be able to finance this. (the meaning of if is whether)
I would be very grateful if you would agree to meet with him. (the meaning
of would is be willing to)
RELATIVE CLAUSES: USAGE RULES
Restrictive relative clauses
Restrictive relative clauses identify the noun (no commas).
Managers who listen to employees have a much more efficient workforce.
(only those managers)
Companies that collect children's information without parental consent will
be fined. (only those companies)
The Government will help people whose pension schemes have collapsed.
(only those people)
Non-restrictive relative clauses
Non-restrictive relative clauses add extra information about the noun
(between commas).
According to Mr. Decker, who has a degree in industrial management,
praising employees is an important motivational tool.
Generic drug companies, which copy brand-name drugs, are doing
extremely well. (all generic drug companies)
Long-term impact is considerable at the Fed, whose decisions may affect
the global economy.
Common structures with if:
If demand drops, prices fall too. GENERAL RULE
If demand drops, we will adjust our price. REAL POSSIBILITY
If demand dropped, prices would fall too. HYPOTHETICAL
If demand had dropped, prices wouldn't have DIDN'T HAPPEN
gone up.
The main thing to remember is that will or would generally does NOT occur in the
if-clause, but only in the main clause.
Exceptions:
I doubt if he would be able to finance this. (the meaning of if is whether)
I would be very grateful if you would agree to meet with him. (the meaning
of would is be willing to)
RELATIVE CLAUSES: USAGE RULES
Restrictive relative clauses
Restrictive relative clauses identify the noun (no commas).
Managers who listen to employees have a much more efficient workforce.
(only those managers)
Companies that collect children's information without parental consent will
be fined. (only those companies)
The Government will help people whose pension schemes have collapsed.
(only those people)
Non-restrictive relative clauses
Non-restrictive relative clauses add extra information about the noun
(between commas).
According to Mr. Decker, who has a degree in industrial management,
praising employees is an important motivational tool.
Generic drug companies, which copy brand-name drugs, are doing
extremely well. (all generic drug companies)
Long-term impact is considerable at the Fed, whose decisions may affect
the global economy.
