PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Contract
I cancelled the contract thinking that I won't be liable for the months after. Or
I cancelled the contract thinking that I wouldn't be liable for the months after.
Are both useable and what's the difference when using won't and wouldn't
Thank you!
I cancelled the contract thinking that I wouldn't be liable for the months after.
Are both useable and what's the difference when using won't and wouldn't
Thank you!
Top answer
PreciousJones what's the difference Matching the tenses ( cancelled ... wouldn't ... ) is the usual and more consistent way of saying it.
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PreciousJoneswhat's the differenceMatching the tenses (cancelled ... wouldn't ...) is the usual and more consistent way of saying it.
The other version seems to switch horses in midstream, so when we hear "won't" after "cancelled", we feel the jarring effect of a sudden change in the point of view, as if you're switching from telling the story
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Its wouldn't. will is the first conditional would is the second conditional. When dealing with a condition in the past you use the second conditional. If like CalifJim says you're actually quoting what you thought in the moment then you would put quotes around "I won't be liable.. after"
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