Difference?
Do you happen to know what engine this aircraft has?
vs.
Would you happen to know what engine this aircraft has?
Top answer
The second one feels slightly more tentative or indirect, but the difference is lessened by the presence of "happen to", which is also a sort of "softening" phrase.
- The second one feels slightly more tentative or indirect, but the difference is lessened by the presence of "happen to", which is also a sort of "softening" phrase.
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The second one feels slightly more tentative or indirect, but the difference is lessened by the presence of "happen to", which is also a sort of "softening" phrase.
0From most direct to least direct:
1. What engine does this aircraft have? - The most direct. You believe they know.
2. What engine does this aircraft have, do you know? - Direct, but less demanding
3. Do you know what engine this aircraft has? - More hesitant; they might not know.
4. Your first fits about here in the continuum. Do you
0
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