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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

That would be correct

I do not understand why 'that would be correct' means 'that is correct' and not 'that would be correct IF.. etc'

I think it is a dependent clause and needs another clause to make sense.

So why do people say it?
  

Top answer

Anonymous I think it is a dependent clause and needs another clause to make sense. ' Anonymous So why do people say it? As I said, it is polite.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous I think it is a dependent clause and needs another clause to make sense.
  • ' Anonymous So why do people say it?
  • As I said, it is polite.
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1 Answers
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AnonymousI think it is a dependent clause and needs another clause to make sense.
No, using 'would' in that way is just a form of courtesy, though as you surmise, its history probably lies in an 'if'-clause which is no longer required:

'That would be correct (if you are willing to accept my opinion).'
AnonymousSo why do
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