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From Cambridge Dictionary

If ever there was a cause for celebration, this peace treaty was it.

I understand the meaning of it. I just can't make up a situation where the sentence fits.

If it were in present tense, I guess I could imagine that the heads of some countries are discussing in a conference, just after ending a war, which is really disaster to the world. Therefor, none of them want a celebration.

If ever there is a cause for celebration, this peace treaty is it.

How about the original one (past tense)? Could someone help me on this?

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The situation for which the original formulation is perfectly apt is a discussion of the history of the treaty. The sentence means to me that there was in fact a celebration, and the author is confirming that said celebration was entirely appropriate.

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  • Thank you. How about my imaginary situation? Does it make sense?
    – PutBere
    Jun 9, 2020 at 3:12
  • Yes, but this sentence is better: If ever there would be a cause for celebration, this peace treaty is it. Instead of "would", one might use "could". Both are better than "is", although all three ("is, would, could") are grammatically correct.
    – George Rickerson
    Jun 10, 2020 at 14:35

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