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Debpriya De Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Use of would

"John stole my books."
1. Why would he steal your books ?
2. Why would he have stolen your books ?
Is there any difference in meaning between #1 and #2 ?
  

Top answer

Hi, yes, I would say first one is past tense and second one is past perfect . Please let me share your comments on this.

— Senthilnathan.R

  • Hi, yes, I would say first one is past tense and second one is past perfect .
  • Please let me share your comments on this.
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2 Answers
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Hi,

yes, I would say first one is past tense and second one is past perfect .

Please let me share your comments on this.
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Debpriya DeIs there any difference in meaning between #1 and #2 ?
Not much. To my ear #1 seems to show more doubt that John stole the books, and #2 seems to show a little more willingness to believe that John stole the books. Still, there really isn't much difference in meaning.

CJ
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