0
Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Usage of 'would' - Uncertainty
I found that among the usage of 'would' there is 'uncertainty', like in this sentence: "He would seem to be getting better." If the speaker had been certain about him getting better, would he have said, "He seems to be getting better." instead of the first sentence? Thanks so much!
Top answer
" instead of the first sentence? Thanks so much! " Yes, this expresses uncertainty, in a rather formal way.
- " instead of the first sentence?
- Thanks so much!
- " Yes, this expresses uncertainty, in a rather formal way.
- " This still expresses uncertainty, in a less formal way.
- " This expresses certainty, ie a fact.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
1 Answers
0
Hi,
I found that among the usage of 'would' there is 'uncertainty', like in this sentence: "He would seem to be getting better." If the speaker had been certain about him getting better, would he have said, "He seems to be getting better." instead of the first sentence? Thanks so much!
"He would seem to be getting better." Yes, this expresses uncertainty, in a rather f
I found that among the usage of 'would' there is 'uncertainty', like in this sentence: "He would seem to be getting better." If the speaker had been certain about him getting better, would he have said, "He seems to be getting better." instead of the first sentence? Thanks so much!
"He would seem to be getting better." Yes, this expresses uncertainty, in a rather f
0
Related Questions