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Mr genuine Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Conditional. 2
She thought that she ---------- the birthday gift by nine the following night, but Sally’s sudden visit distracted her.
1) would buy
2) would have bought
I know that #2 is correct. However, I am curious to know if there is any possibility for #1 in some contexts (for example, in a narrative).
1) would buy
2) would have bought
I know that #2 is correct. However, I am curious to know if there is any possibility for #1 in some contexts (for example, in a narrative).
Top answer
I find the difference subtle. Because of the second clause, which implies that the purchase did not take place, 2) is better; nevertheless, I can't find anything definitely wrong about 1). Neither version is remarkably good or bad to my ear.
- I find the difference subtle.
- Because of the second clause, which implies that the purchase did not take place, 2) is better; nevertheless, I can't find anything definitely wrong about 1).
- Neither version is remarkably good or bad to my ear.
- Lacking an "if", the sentence should probably not be called a conditional.
- CJ
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1 Answers
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I find the difference subtle. Because of the second clause, which implies that the purchase did not take place, 2) is better; nevertheless, I can't find anything definitely wrong about 1). Neither version is remarkably good or bad to my ear.
Lacking an "if", the sentence should probably not be called a conditional.
CJ
Lacking an "if", the sentence should probably not be called a conditional.
CJ
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