Written Expression

[Fernando]

I have been a little bit confused on the TOEFl's written expression, pls help..


In many countries, metal detecting is illegal, and the authorities argue that if it were to allow unrestricted use of detector, many antiquities would be stolen

[RosalindaPerez]

Dear Fernando:

You did not exactly specify what you were confused about in one of the sentences in TOEFL's written expression, but I'm guessing it's the use of the unreal conditional structure - "if it (or they) were to allow unrestricted use of detector, many antiquities would be stolen." - am I right?

The unreal conditional structure is used when one talks about unlikely conditions in the present. For example, "If I enjoyed games, I would buy a Games Master."
(But I don't enjoy them. So, I haven't bought a Games Master.)
"If Sherwin didn't like his job, he would look for another one."
(But he likes his job. So, he doesn't look for another one.)
"If I were a bird, I would fly to London."
(But I'm not a bird, so I can't fly to London."

The speaker talks about conditions in the present, but uses words that are in the past tense. This is the unreal conditional structure or second conditional sentence

I hope I've helped you somehow.

Rosalinda Perez

[dowiemarron]

Learned so much from this one. Thanks, Rosalinda.

[Syl]

I have been a little bit confused on the TOEFl's written expression, pls help..


In many countries, metal detecting is illegal, and the authorities argue that if it were to allow unrestricted use of detector, many antiquities would be stolen

Fernando, besides Rosalinda's explanation which is excellent, could you please specify more clearly what your doubt is? I confess I don't understand your question.

Thank you!

Syl :)

Syl's English Corner - Learn English and Have Fun
http://www.ginnegar.0catch.com

[Syl]

Thanks, teffjones! ;-)


Syl

Syl's English Corner - Learn English and Have Fun
http://www.ginnegar.0catch.com