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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

would

Suppose I am talking to Dr. James's secretary about Dr. James.
Me: When would he be free? I need to talk to him.
Secretary: I think you can meet him next week.
Me. Thanks.

Is this conversation correct with 'would'?

One more,
I am asking James's friend William.
Me: where would he have hidden the keys?
William: I think he hide the keys under his pillow.
Is this conversation correct with 'would have'?
  

Top answer

1. when would or when will - would is more polite 2. where would (if he usually hides them) or where might otherwise.

— Michaeln R

  • 1.
  • when would or when will - would is more polite 2.
  • where would (if he usually hides them) or where might otherwise.
  • Would can suggest a habit: We would often go out on Saturday nights
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5 Answers
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1. when would or when will- would is more polite Emotion: smile
2. where would (if he usually hides them) or where might otherwi
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You mean the conversations are correct with 'would' and 'would have'? Or they need corrections? I am not clear. Please help.
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Correct - I was just explaining why Emotion: smile
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#1 sounds a little unnatural to me.
I suggest this.
Me: When will he be free, please? I need to talk to him.
Secretary: How about next Tuesday at 10am?
Me. OK. Thanks.

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AnonymousMe: When would he be free? I need to talk to him.
Secretary: I think you can meet him next week.
Me. Thanks.
When will he be free? is my choice. When might he be free? is possible if you want something much more formal and deferential.
AnonymousMe: Where would he
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