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Lcchang Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

TOEIC might/ would

We _________ finish this assignment by the deadline, but it's pretty unlikely.
(A) can
(B) might
(C) will
(D) would

I chose B, and I got it right. However, (D) sounds fine to me, but I am not sure why it can't be the answer. Would someone explain please?
  

Top answer

Lcchang I am not sure why it can't be the answer. Would someone explain please? It can't be the answer because would is definite.

— CalifJim

  • Lcchang I am not sure why it can't be the answer.
  • Would someone explain please?
  • It can't be the answer because would is definite.
  • That contradicts "pretty unlikely", which is quite indefinite.
  • You can't have both "We would finish" and "but it's unlikely".
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4 Answers
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LcchangI am not sure why it can't be the answer. Would someone explain please?
It can't be the answer because would is definite. That contradicts "pretty unlikely", which is quite indefinite.

You can't have both "We would finish" and "but it's unlikely". That is equivalent to saying that you will certainly do something, but it's unlikely that
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Thanks. Yes I see where you're coming from. However, it seems to me that "would" can sometimes also mean uncertainty.
For example: Would it be Ok if I can borrow some money from you?
That;s why I am a bit confused.
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Sorry. => Would it be Ok if I could borrow some money from you?
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LcchangHowever, it seems to me that "would" can sometimes also mean uncertainty.
Hmm. Not exactly. Would it be OK (if I borrowed some money from you?) is deferential and polite, but I wouldn't say it's more uncertain.

In any case, even if you wrongly thought "would" expressed uncertainty in this sentence, you would still have a contradiction
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