Difference between...

Question

I went there everydayI used to go there everydayI would go there everyday

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

every day - two words.

There is no difference. They all have the same meaning.

CJ

Laborious · Answer

Dear sir,

Is't the last sentence (I would go there every day) ambiguous in meaning? Doesn't it convey two meanings, one is in the future (hypothetical) and the other is in the past (a habit or repeated action in the past)?

If I just say "I would go there everyday", will it be clear whether I am talking about the past or the future meaning?

Thank you sir.

Pathfinder1992 · Answer

J Lin I went there everyday

I went there every day in the past.

I used to go there everyday

I went there every day in the past but stopped at some time.

I would go there everyday

I would go there every day in the future.(not 100% certain though)

Grammarfreak · Answer

LaboriousIf I just say "I would go there everyday", will it be clear whether I am talking about the past or the future meaning?

Sometimes, we can't rely on the rules 100%. Here is why. Scenario: I ran into a high school friend at a coffee shop and we chatted about the old time over coffee. I may say " I would go to the lunch room everyday to see if I could catch a glimse of Mary because I really had a crush on her ". Here "would" is clearly used in past context.

We often use "would" in present context as well: You are on a bus. The person in front of you has the window wide open and you may ask him " Would you mind closing the window a little ?" Will - is rarely used, except in certain situation?

In the case of intended future: Don't worry about missing your flight. I will leave an hour early to drive you to the airport tomorrow. If you hear the person say " would leave ....", the tone suggests that he is not very committed to taking you to the airport.

Laborious · Answer

grammarfreakSometimes, we can't rely on the rules 100%. Here is why. Scenario: I ran into a high school friend at a coffee shop and we chatted about the old time over coffee. I may say " I would go to the lunch room everyday to see if I could catch a glimse of Mary because I really had a crush on her ". Here "would" is clearly used in past context.We often use "would" in present context as well: You are on a bus. The person in front of you has the window wide open and you may ask him " Would you mind closing the window a little ?" Will - is rarely used, except in certain situation?In the case of intended future: Don't worry about missing your flight. I will leave an hour early to drive you to the airport tomorrow. If you hear the person say " would leave ....", the tone suggests that he is not very committed to taking you to the airport.

Thank you so much sir, for this valuable information!

grammarfreakIn the case of intended future: Don't worry about missing your flight. I will leave an hour early to drive you to the airport tomorrow. If you hear the person say " would leave ....", the tone suggests that he is not very committed to taking you to the airport.

Because "would" shows that we are more in doubt or we are not sure about something, Is that why "would", not "will" is used in the Second conditional?

I said that the sentence(I would go there everyday) was ambiguous in meaning probably because the questioner hadn't provided any context/ scenario, plus I read somewhere (maybe on this very forum) that "when we use would in conditional sentences (second conditional), there is always a condition either stated or understood.

Is this the same with the example you gave with "would" - Don't worry about missing your flight. I would leave an hour early to drive you to the airport tomorrow (unstated condition - If I woke up early/ If I went to bed early etc. )

Thank you sir.
Laborious

Grammarfreak · Answer

LaboriousIs this the same with the example you gave with "would" - Don't worry about missing your flight. I would leave an hour early to drive you to the airport tomorrow (unstated condition - If I woke up early/ If I went to bed early etc. )

If you tell someone "don't worry", you are assuring him that everything is under your control an you feel sure that you can leave early. Will - offers that sentiment, not "would". I know it may be hard for you to grasp the concept. That's why I said " rule of thumb". If you feel sure and committed about something, use "will ".
Would -is not alway text book conditional. If you see someone trying to put together a desk-in- the- box from Ikea and he is not following the instruction that comes with it. You can say " I would read the instruction first before break the bags containing the hardware " ( if I were you - is understood.) . This is a polite way of saying " I think you are doing it wrong".
Of all the auxiliary words, "would" and " could " are the most confusing for learners in my opinion because of thier unique property.

CalifJim · Answer

LaboriousIsn't the last sentence (I would go there every day) ambiguous in meaning? Doesn't it convey two meanings, one is in the future (hypothetical) and the other is in the past (a habit or repeated action in the past)?

That's correct. Nevertheless, all three of the original sentences posted can be used to convey the meaning of a past habit.

CJ

J Lin · Answer

Thought it was just a simple question, didn't think this post would get this many helpful/elaborate replies. I really appreciate you guys.

grammarfreakOf all the auxiliary words, "would" and " could " are the most confusing for learners in my opinion because of thier unique property.

and OMG, I've been spending so much time trying to learn the difference between them. Although I got the general concept of it, but it still scares me every time I use them.

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