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Sitifan Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

I wouldn't know

Hi,

I wouldn't know about the American English part of your question since I'm from the UK but for me the only acceptable sentence is number (1).



What's the difference in meaning between "I wouldn't know" and "I don't know"?
  

Top answer

sitifan What's the difference in meaning Psychological distance might be a way to describe the difference. wouldn't know is more distant, more indirect, more exculpatory perhaps. don't know is more open, more straightforward, more direct.

— CalifJim

  • sitifan What's the difference in meaning Psychological distance might be a way to describe the difference.
  • wouldn't know is more distant, more indirect, more exculpatory perhaps.
  • don't know is more open, more straightforward, more direct.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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sitifanWhat's the difference in meaning
Psychological distance might be a way to describe the difference.

wouldn't know is more distant, more indirect, more exculpatory perhaps.

don't know is more open, more straightforward, more direct.

CJ
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