Which is correct:
"I would die if I had" or "I would die if I had not"?

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I would die if I had

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a hypothetical situation in the past.

This phrase is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen.

Examples:

  • I would die if I had eaten that sushi.
  • I would die if I had missed the train.
  • I would die if I had forgotten her birthday.

Alternatives:

  • I would have died if I had
  • I would have been devastated if I had
  • I would have been so embarrassed if I had

I would die if I had not

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a hypothetical situation in the past with a negative outcome.

This phrase is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen and would have had a negative consequence.

Examples:

  • I would die if I had not studied for the exam.
  • I would die if I had not locked the door.
  • I would die if I had not apologized.

Alternatives:

  • I would have died if I had not
  • I would have been in trouble if I had not
  • I would have been so disappointed if I had not
Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I would die if I had' is used to express a hypothetical situation in the past, while 'I would die if I had not' is used to express a hypothetical situation in the past with a negative outcome. They are not directly comparable as they convey different meanings.

Last updated: March 21, 2024

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