Can we use "would" like this?

Question

Dear teachersCould you please tell me if "would" in this context correct?Mike and Sandra are still in Canada. I talked to them yesterday. John would be in Canada too(but I am no longer in contact with him so I can not be sure about that.).

Persian Learner · Accepted Answer

DibCould you please tell me if "would" is correct in this context?

I would say not.

I suggest using 'may', 'might', or 'could' in that context.

Anonymous · Answer

"Would" is generally not considered grammatically correct in that context, however you may sometimes encounter it used that way in spoken or informal English. Used in the present tense, "would" is a conditional, but there is no condition explicitly stated in your example, so the use of "would" in this context implies a conditional that is not stated, essentially creating a hypothetical situation.

Here are some conditions that could be implied, along with why you might imply them:

If my reasoning were correct, John would still be in Canada. (You are pretty sure John is still in Canada, but don't want to say it is a known fact.)

If I were to think about it, I'd guess that John would still be in Canada. (Someone has just asked you where John is, you had previously never thought to wonder where he is and want to express that you are thinking about this question for the first time.)

If I were so bold as to say such a thing, I'd say that John would still be in Canada. (John is in Canada, or you only know that he is in Canada, for some shameful or scandalous reason, so you are too embarrassed to say outright that he is.)

Anonymous · Answer

....John COULD be in Canada and would love the coming summer weather. I'm jealous of John.

Clive · Answer

John would be in Canada Natural English is eg John is very probably still in Canada.

Can we use "would" like this?

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