Please help me choose the correct tenses. Thanks.
A SAYS:

A: "I know it's already six but I want you to work until nine. Remember we're on a deadline."

B REPLIES:

B(1): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [CAN] get home before it [GETS] dark."

B(2): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [COULD] get home before it [GETS] dark."

B(3): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [COULD] get home before it [GOT] dark."

QUESTION:

Would it be possible for B to reply to A in my proposed three ways? Are the tenses in square brackets correct?

Question

Please help me choose the correct tenses. Thanks.
A SAYS:

A: "I know it's already six but I want you to work until nine. Remember we're on a deadline."

B REPLIES:

B(1): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [CAN] get home before it [GETS] dark."

B(2): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [COULD] get home before it [GETS] dark."

B(3): "It would be better if you could let me go now so I [COULD] get home before it [GOT] dark."

QUESTION:

Would it be possible for B to reply to A in my proposed three ways? Are the tenses in square brackets correct?

Answer

Honestly, B feels the most correct.  A feels like it would be totally fine as well.  C feels awkward, so I wouldn't say it. Hope this helps!

Answer

Although all three would be correct, and completely understood by any English speaker, I’d probably say I’m most comfortable with the first one. (B1)

Answers · 4