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Bamtori Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

It's understandable you would try to protect your father <- the usage of would

Teachers, I'm wondering about the usage of the 'would' in the above sentence : It's totally undertandable you would try to protect your father. Is it a conditional, like " You would try to protect your father if you were in a situation where others said bad things about him."? Or it could be willingness, intention or persistence? If so, why the would was used here? I think that the 'will' also has this usage of willingness, intention or persistnece.

thanks so much!!!!
  

Top answer

In my opinion, only the context might make the intended meaning absolutely clear. As you ponder, some willingness may be implied. CB

— Cool Breeze

  • In my opinion, only the context might make the intended meaning absolutely clear.
  • As you ponder, some willingness may be implied.
  • CB
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3 Answers
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In my opinion, only the context might make the intended meaning absolutely clear. As you ponder, some willingness may be implied.

CB
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Thank you so much for your anwer, CB. What I'd like to know is why the modal 'will' was not used in there. I realize that 'will' also has some williness usage. Thanks!
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Bamtori What I'd like to know is why the modal 'will' was not used in there.
I cannot say for sure. Would seems a "weaker" choice, perhaps implying less willingness, but there may be other reasons. More context might help.

CB
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