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Lime candle 824 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Use of "would" as a "helping" verb

Too often I hear or even read examples of the following incorrect usages of the word "would" but I'm at a loss to explain the grammatical points in play. I would appreciate a brief tutorial on the use of the word "would" as used in the following manner:(1) "I wish I would have" [instead of "I wish I had"]and(2) "if he would have done it differently" [instead of "if he had done it differently"]
In each case the use of "would" in the sentence is superfluous and redundant, but what, grammaticaly, is wrong with using "would" instead of simply using the past perfect participle or (if I have it right) the future perfect participle?

I hear it and read it often but can't explain the actual grammatical error involved.

I am in America, and the phenomenon of this usage has grown apace the past couple of decades, from media reinforcement it has seemed to me. I know there are clearcut rules on this issue.


Can someone help with this?


  

Top answer

lime candle 824 (1) "I wish I would have" [instead of "I wish I had"]and(2) "if he would have done it differently" [instead of "if he had done it differently"] Both are wrong, and you have provided the correction in each case. It is simply a matter of the unusual grammar of the verb 'wish'. English speakers do not always speak flawless English, and we tend to repeat what we hear — right or wrong — if we hear it enough times.

— CalifJim

  • lime candle 824 (1) "I wish I would have" [instead of "I wish I had"]and(2) "if he would have done it differently" [instead of "if he had done it differently"] Both are wrong, and you have provided the correction in each case.
  • It is simply a matter of the unusual grammar of the verb 'wish'.
  • English speakers do not always speak flawless English, and we tend to repeat what we hear — right or wrong — if we hear it enough times.
  • Thus, combinations like "I wish I would have" proliferate.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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lime candle 824(1) "I wish I would have" [instead of "I wish I had"]and(2) "if he would have done it differently" [instead of "if he had done it differently"]

Both are wrong, and you have provided the correction in each case. It is simply a matter of the unusual grammar of the verb 'wish'.

English speakers do not always speak flawless English, and we

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In the UK I often hear "if I had have", "if he had have", etc., instead of "if I had", "if he had", etc. Some people say "if I'd have" without, I think, knowing whether "'d" is for "had" or "would". Some people believe they are saying "had of" or "would of", which is a dreadful error.

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