If I didn't know any better, I'd say that...

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi everyone,

Please take a look at the following sentences:

(1) If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re in love with her.
(2) If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were in love with her.
(3) If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s a bit shy.
(4) If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was a bit shy.

Some people claim that sentences (2) and (4) have a present meaning. Is that true?
Thanks Thredder. I made a mistake in sentence (4). Could you give me a few other examples so as to make clear what you mean?

Thanks
Alexandro.

2

Some people claim that sentences (3) and (4) are exactly the same…

I’d say they are all present in meaning.
(2) could be past too, depending on context.

3

Thaniks Thredder.