0
Hammerman1 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Usage of 'Would' for repeated action

I tried to transfer my pictures and files into it, but everytime I did that / I would do that, a message would pop out saying that it was write-protected.

Is this sentence acceptable?

It's a repeated action but over a very brief period of time.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

I wanted to transfer my pictures and files into it, but everytime I tried, a message would pop out saying that it was write-protected. To me, this sentence is clearer and avoids repeating words. Pop out or pop up?

— JohnParis

  • I wanted to transfer my pictures and files into it, but everytime I tried, a message would pop out saying that it was write-protected.
  • To me, this sentence is clearer and avoids repeating words.
  • Pop out or pop up?
  • I tend to favor pop up because to pop out makes me think that something is actually coming out of my computer.
  • John
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
I wanted to transfer my pictures and files into it, but everytime I tried, a message would pop out saying that it was write-protected.

To me, this sentence is clearer and avoids repeating words.

Pop out or pop up? I tend to favor pop up because to pop out makes me think that something is actually coming out of my computer.

John
0
0
Hi,

I don't think would is wrong there, yet I would cast this sentence differently.

Further, I've rewritten this sentence in an attempt to keep your original words.

I tried to transfer my pictures and files into it, but every time I did it a message popped up,

notifying that it was write-protected.

Regards
0
0
a message would pop up

This use of would is correct, but note the suggestions above for other parts of the sentence.

CJ
0

Related Questions