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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

were able or would be able

What is the correct way to say this?

We would be delighted if you would be able to attend.
We would be delighted if you were able to attend.
We would be delighted if you could attend.

It is for an email in quite a formal register so I thought it would be best to use the 2nd but I'm not sure if it is correct.

Thanks for any help
  

Top answer

The third is perhaps the most common, the second being used as well. The first is absolutely incorrect: what I refer to as a double-woulda.

— Philip

  • The third is perhaps the most common, the second being used as well.
  • The first is absolutely incorrect: what I refer to as a double-woulda.
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2 Answers
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The third is perhaps the most common, the second being used as well. The first is absolutely incorrect: what I refer to as a double-woulda.
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Thanks! Is were able a more formal register or am I getting confused?
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