Modals

Question

Hi, Do the both of the below modals refer to the present?'I could see how you would think that 'Kindly explain a little bit about the usage of could & would in the above sentenceThanks in advance

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

bmojtabaI could see how you would think that.

These interpretations come to mind. There may be others.

1. I was able to understand that you had that thought.
.....I was able to understand how you came to that conclusion.
.....It was possible for me to understand [that you had that thought / how you would come to that conclusion].
2. I would be able to understand that you would have that thought.
.....I would be able to understand how you would come to that conclusion.
.....It would be possible for me to understand [that you would have that thought / how you would come to that conclusion].
_______

1 is more in the past. 2 is more of an imagined present.
Interpretation 2 is probably more likely to come to mind for most native speakers.

More natural to my ear:

I can see how you would think that. (I understand your reason for coming to that conclusion.)
I could see how you would have thought that. (I understood your reason for coming to that conclusion.)

CJ

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