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Kazupocketmonster Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Otherwise and subjunctive mood?

Hi, there.
I'm wondering if you could help me with this passage.

Fundamentally, reading is a way of familiarizing yourself with other people's ideas. Therefore, you should become willing to listen to other people's opinions and viewpoints different from your own. Otherwise, you couldn't/ can't learn anything from books you read.

Q1: Is 'fundamentally' a good word choice?
Q2: Is it better to use 'couldn't or can't?'
  

Top answer

kazupocketmonster Fundamentally, reading is a way of familiarizing yourself with other people's ideas. Therefore, you should become willing to listen to other people's opinions and viewpoint s, which may be different from your own. Otherwise, you couldn't/ can't wouldn't learn anything from the books you read.

— Teechr

  • kazupocketmonster Fundamentally, reading is a way of familiarizing yourself with other people's ideas.
  • Therefore, you should become willing to listen to other people's opinions and viewpoint s, which may be different from your own.
  • Otherwise, you couldn't/ can't wouldn't learn anything from the books you read.
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11 Answers
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kazupocketmonsterFundamentally, reading is a way of familiarizing yourself with other people's ideas. Therefore, you should become willing to listen to other people's opinions and viewpoints, which may be different from your own. Otherwise, you couldn't/ can't wouldn't learn anything from the books you read.
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Thank you. Is there a reason why you use 'wouldn't in stead of 'couldn't?'
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The conditional "would" fits with the "should" from the previous sentence, which gives advice/suggestion.
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I really appreciate your help.
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Could I make sure about one thing? Is it also okay to use 'won't' instead of 'wouldn't?' Does it make a difference?
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kazupocketmonsterIs it also okay to use 'won't' instead of 'wouldn't?'
Yes, it is.
kazupocketmonsterDoes it make a difference?
Yes, "won't" is more certain than "wouldn't."
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kazupocketmonsterOtherwise and subjunctive mood?
There is no subjunctive in the entire passage you presented.
kazupocketmonsterQ1: Is 'fundamentally' a good word choice?
It's fine.
kazupocketmonsterQ2: Is it better to use 'couldn't or can't?'
can't

CJ
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Ah, I forgot to mention this, but Kazuopocketmonster is actually a friend of mine/a coworker, and he seemed pretty excited when I told him about this forum. We are both teachers as you can tell from my name. Thank you very much for helping us.
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