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Avangi Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

The two woodies

Hi,

Tonight I heard a writer for a NY newspaper say, "If I would have been there, I would have etc."
I know we've had threads on this, but I can't remember what was concluded.
I was surprised to hear it from him, as in the past I've only heard it in the midwest.

Is there any correct way to use this combination?

Thanks, - A.
  

Top answer

I hope we've concluded that it is a questionable form that is becoming very common in spoken English. 8 (on my lap) says: ' This is very informal, and is not usually written. '

  • I hope we've concluded that it is a questionable form that is becoming very common in spoken English.
  • 8 (on my lap) says: ' This is very informal, and is not usually written.
  • '
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2 Answers
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I hope we've concluded that it is a questionable form that is becoming very common in spoken English. Swan, 2nd ed, 261.8 (on my lap) says: 'This is very informal, and is not usually written. It is common in spoken American English.'
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From Wikipedia

Some varieties of English regularly use would (often shortened to (I)'d) and would have (often shortened to (I)'d have) in counterfactual condition clauses, but this is often considered non-standard: If you'd leave now, you'd be on time. (conditional 2.) / If you (would)'ve told me, we could've done something about it. (conditional

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