Included
"Many of its members, and MPs, would push hard for a manifesto that included a commitment to hold a referendum on any future Brexit deal negotiated by Labour, with an option to remain."
(The Guardian.)
Does "included" have the hypothetical meaning of "would include" or is it a backshift from "includes" in the sentence above?
Top answer
", or words to that effect). From the full context, as far as I can tell, it is the former. I would also call this "backshifting", though for a different purpose, but I'm not sure if everyone would agree with that.
- ", or words to that effect).
- From the full context, as far as I can tell, it is the former.
- I would also call this "backshifting", though for a different purpose, but I'm not sure if everyone would agree with that.
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Without more context it is not completely clear whether it is a hypothetical or "unreal" past tense, describing an imagined situation, or whether it is backshifted reported speech (someone said "they will push hard for a manifesto that includes a commitment...", or words to that effect). From the full context, as far as I can tell, it is the former. I would also call this "backshifting", thoug
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