Is it normal to say:
"If it were to happen, it would already have(or had?) happened"
I'm just trying to use it when someone is disappointed about something that he was hoping to happen but it hasn't, and he thinks it will never happen.
Is the sentence correct in this situation?
please suggest better sentences if you have any.

thanks.

Question

Is it normal to say:
"If it were to happen, it would already have(or had?) happened"
I'm just trying to use it when someone is disappointed about something that he was hoping to happen but it hasn't, and he thinks it will never happen.
Is the sentence correct in this situation?
please suggest better sentences if you have any.

thanks.

Answer

See my answer above, however:  If it were to happen sounds like you are waiting for something to occur, e.g. If it were to happen then I wouldn't be disappointed (e.g. future)  If it was going to happen, it already would have happened puts the emphasis into the present and past tense. The thing would already have occurred if it as going to occur at all.

Hope that makes sense

Answer

If it were to happen, it already would have happened is correct, although slightly better:
If it was going to happen, it already would have happened.

Answer

The sentence is correct. I think the right word would be "have" but maybe others can help you out with the word choice.

Answers · 3

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