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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Won't vs. doesn't

Hello,

I know that doesn't is preferable to won't in the following sentence, but I can't explain why.

If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.

Thanks,
John
  

Top answer

Anonymous If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription. To my ear, "won't" describes a person's will, in this sort of sentence. If you won't help me, I'll do it myself.

— Avangi

  • Anonymous If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.
  • To my ear, "won't" describes a person's will, in this sort of sentence.
  • If you won't help me, I'll do it myself.
  • Remove the if-clause, and it's simple future: The paper won't be delivered today because the presses broke down.
  • If you apply it to an inanimate object, I'd take it as personification: If my car won't start, we'll have to walk.
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1 Answers
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AnonymousIf the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.
To my ear, "won't" describes a person's will, in this sort of sentence.

If you won't help me, I'll do it myself.

Remove the if-clause, and it's simple future:

The paper won't be delivered today because the presses broke down.
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