今日のプレゼンのテーマは ラジオ英会話の「subjunctive mood」でした。
diagram is
a So many people are here today. You look funny in a graduation cap and gown.
b Thanks. You look funny ,too. Look at this program. It says. 'Commencement Exercises,'
not 'Graduation Ceremony.'
a Yes, it is a more formal way of saying the same thing.
b Why is it called 'Commencement' ?
a 'Commencement' means starting something. So our graduation is the start our adult lives, not just the end of our college days.
b Yes. I 'm looking forward to starting my career
ln the real world. And I really have to thank my parents. Without their support, I couldn't have graduated.
Story is over.
Key sentence is
Without their support, I couldn't have graduated.
Using if
If it had not been for their support, I couldn't have graduated.
or
Had it not been for their support, I couldn't have graduated.
At present tense
if it were not for their support, I couldn't graduate.
or
Were not for their support, I couldn't graduate.
But for your encouragement, I wouldn't have given up a long time ago.
Without crowdfunding, I coud never have started my business.
But for the train delay, I could have made it on time.
Amazing! I would have needed three or four helpers- at least!