'd

Question

Hey all:A: Havent seen him lately.B: why?A: Not that I'd want to. He's in and out of jail.What is the usage of "'d" in here? some kind of subjunctive mood?Thanks!Ench.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Not that I would want to.

Clive

Enchanted · Answer

Hi, Clive,
I know it is would. but i dont know why he uses would here.

Clive · Answer

Hi,
The idea is
If I had the chance to see him, I wouldn't want to.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

EnchantedWhat is the usage of "'d" in here? some kind of subjunctive mood?

The subjunctive is never expressed by would. The subjunctive is something different. Don't make the mistake of associating would with the subjunctive!

would ('d) is often added to weaken a statement -- to make it seem less certain or less blunt. It's often used when the speaker is not completely sure of something or does not want to make a statement that sounds too abrupt or rude to the listener. It often substitutes for will ('ll) for the same reason.

I say it's true. > I would say it's true / I'd say it's true.
I don't want to see him. > I wouldn't want to see him.
I won't enjoy doing that. > I wouldn't enjoy doing that.
That's too late. / That'll be too late. > That would be too late.
That's too much. / That will be too much. > That would be too much.
I'm sorry. I can't help you with that. > I'm sorry. I wouldn't be able to help you with that.
I think you'll like it. > I think you would like it. / I think you'd like it. / I would think you'd like it.
They (will) have that information at the front desk. > They would have that information at the front desk.
I (will) have to check with someone else before I do that. > I would have to check with someone else before I do that.

CJ

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