Why do they say 'Why would I do that' instead of "'Why would I have done that?"
It is often said when someone accuses you of doing something that you haven't done
For example:
James: You stole my bank card!
Ruth: No, I didn't. Why would I do that? (it won't work for me because I dont know what your pin code is)
It asks for the hypothetical reasons for doing something - that what could've led him to do that
Furthermore, by saying this, the person is making a statement that it is so unlikely of him to do that
But what I don't understand is why do people say "Why would I do that" instead of "Why would I have done that?". (as the action was done in the past)
Top answer
Why would I do that? encompasses the past, present and future. I wouldn't do it in th past.
- Why would I do that?
- encompasses the past, present and future.
- I wouldn't do it in th past.
- I wouldn't do it now.
- I wouldn't do it in the future.
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