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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
WOULD
Hi all,
Can anyone explain why the modal verb "would" was used in this?
I just can't believe that my father would know that his invention was being used as part of a weapon.
The speaker's father passed away a month ago and he left his patent to some equipment to the speaker. The speaker just found out that his patent was being used as part of a weapon. What I don't understand is why the modal "would" was used. Is it because the spearker's father may or may not have known it and the speaker's guessing about that? Thanks!
Can anyone explain why the modal verb "would" was used in this?
I just can't believe that my father would know that his invention was being used as part of a weapon.
The speaker's father passed away a month ago and he left his patent to some equipment to the speaker. The speaker just found out that his patent was being used as part of a weapon. What I don't understand is why the modal "would" was used. Is it because the spearker's father may or may not have known it and the speaker's guessing about that? Thanks!
Top answer
I don't believe the sentence expresses the speaker's intention. Perhaps it could be, "I just can't believe that my father would knowingly allow his invention to be used as part of a weapon.
- I don't believe the sentence expresses the speaker's intention.
- Perhaps it could be, "I just can't believe that my father would knowingly allow his invention to be used as part of a weapon.
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3 Answers
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I don't believe the sentence expresses the speaker's intention. Perhaps it could be, "I just can't believe that my father would knowingly allow his invention to be used as part of a weapon.
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Hi. I don't know this would be the right sentence for the intended meaning but I think this would be the right sentence for me. Please correct this if anyone finds this wrong.
I just can't imagine (or It is inconceivable) that my father would have known that his invention was going to be used as part of a weapon.
I just can't imagine (or It is inconceivable) that my father would have known that his invention was going to be used as part of a weapon.
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Are you saying that you think it should be would have known? That's also reasonable (and probably more accurate).
Or do you mean why would know as opposed to knew? That's also possible.
Or do you mean why would know as opposed to knew? That's also possible.
Is it because the spearker's father may or may not have known it and the speaker's guessing about that?Your explanation seems more or less correct to me. Bu
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