clarification

Question

could you tell me what is the difference between "would have" and "would have been"? pls explain with example

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Would is a modal auxiliary and have is a helping verb. The past participle of the main verb follows.

1. Have + past participle is the present perfect tense; Would + Have + past participle is the modal perfect.
I have sent an email to you. ( The past participle of "send" is "sent".)
We have answered your question.

I would have sent an email to you, but my computer's battery was dead. (The modal verb adds the meaning of an intended, but not fulfilled action)
We would have answered your question, but our Google search resulted in zero results.

2. Would + Have + past participle of "be" (modal perfect of "be")
The verb be can also be used. The past participle is been.

I have been sick lately.
I have been in my bed all morning.

I would have been in my bed all morning, but I had important business to do.

3. Would + have + been + present participle is the modal perfect continuous

I have been playing on the football team for three years.
I would have been playing with the team today, but I got sick.

clarification

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions