In each of these sentences, the speaker distinctly implies that the supposed case (or condition) is (or was) not a fact. It follows, of course, that the conclusion is not a fact:—John is not here; therefore I do not recognize him.
424. In conditions contrary to fact, the subjunctive without if is common. In this use, the subject follows the verb ([§ 281]).
- Were he my friend, I should expect his help. [= If he were my friend. Present condition, contrary to fact.]
- Had he been my friend, I should have expected his help. [= If he had been my friend. Past condition, contrary to fact.]
Note. In older English, the subjunctive may be used in both clauses: as,—“He were no lion, were not Romans hinds” (Shakspere).
Future Conditions
425. Future conditions always imply doubt, for no one can tell what may or may not happen to-morrow.
426. In all future conditions, some verb-form denoting future time is used in both clauses.
1. In a future condition which suggests nothing as to the probability or improbability of the case supposed, the present indicative is regularly used in the if-clause, and the future indicative in the conclusion.
If it rains to-morrow, I shall not go.
In very formal or exact language a verb-phrase with shall may be used in the if-clause: as,—“If it shall rain to-morrow, I shall not go.”