If the were no lawyers, we probably wouldn't have done that deal in China.

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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DenisRusso
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If the were no lawyers, we probably wouldn't have done that deal in China.

Post by DenisRusso »

I want to convey a message that if there were no lawyers (in general, as professionals, as a “handy tool" ), it would probably have been problematic (or it would been even unrealistic) to make the deal (during our last stay (last negotiations) in China). Now we are in UK, the deal has been made, we are happy to discuss such hypothesis. We are discussing that from the position of "now".

As I understand, in grammar books such situations are referred to as mixed conditionals. For instance,If the island were still a tourist attraction, last week's earthquake would have caused far more deaths.

Please confirm what sentences are idiomatic and natural in such situation.

1. If the were no lawyers, we probably wouldn't have done that deal in China.
2. If it hadn't been for the lawyers, we probably wouldn't have done that deal in China.
3. If there were no lawyers, we would be unlikely to have done that deal in China.
4. If there had been no lawyers, we would be unlikely to have done that deal in China.​
5. If there had been no lawyers, we would have been unlikely to have done that deal in China.​
6. If there hadn't been any lawyers, we probably wouldn't have made the deal.
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Alan
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Re: If the were no lawyers, we probably wouldn't have done that deal in China.

Post by Alan »

Provided you correct the typo in sentence 1 (the --> there), all of your sentences are structurally possible.
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