Would

Question

Would you mind checking these sentences below taken from news articles and let me know if would in the sentences are conditional or non-conditional?

A: “The group has also attempted to secure funding from international organisations, with little success. Many think that giving us money would be an insult to Europe, as it would imply that there is a problem with human rights.” (Seems conditional would to me with implied if clause)

B: “It would imply that the Yankees are free swingers who give away at-bats, and that has not happened.” (Seems non-conditional would to me with the meaning of uncertainty)

Isn’t the would in sentence A conditional and sentence B non-conditional?

Moonrise · Accepted Answer

Do you know what's the problem there?

In (A), you've taken the text with its context while in (B) you've just provided a part of the text. This made (A) clearer than (B).

Regarding (A), I think you've gotten it.

If they were given money, it would be an insult to Europe.

If they were given money, it would imply that there is a problem with human rights.

", as it would imply that there." in the context is related to what came before the comma. Do not ignore it. In other words, it's like to say: "It would also imply that there is a problem with human rights."

When I read (B, I feel there's something missing. "It" refers to whom? Moreover, (B) is not a good example for understanding, in my opinion. I translated some words there, and I still don't understand the exact meaning. Anyway, to me, what comes BEFORE the term "It would imply" is significant for understanding, and what comes after "It would imply" has the speaker's/ writer's understanding. That's his words. It might be true or it might be false. Sometimes, it would most likely be true like 99%, or vice versa. It depends on the text itself (what was said) and whether it was improved with strong evidence, clues, numbers, statistics, reality, logic, etc.

Even if they used "will " like to say "Something will happen tomorrow". I speak certainly but does that mean it will happen? If you don't know the person well, you can't accept anything for certain.


I have the same problem with "would" as yours, by the way. Sometimes, I got it well, other times not. I think that the very long topic about "would" that I read today (if it were yours) was truly excellent. It was informative. You got a great detailed explanation. Very good as a reference.  It helps to understand better and I think it would help you if you carefully reread and pursue it.

Anonymous · Answer

Here is the whole paragraph for sentence B for context.

“The Yankees lead the American League in home runs (86) and strikeouts (421). Since 1996, when they began their run of four World Series championships in six seasons, the Yankees have never ranked higher than fourth in homers or seventh in strikeouts. They are on pace to shatter club records in both categories -- 240 homers and 1,043 strikeouts.

Being known as a home run-hitting team seems to be a kind of insult to Manager Joe Torre. It would imply that the Yankees are free swingers who give away at-bats, and that has not happened. The Yankees have an on-base percentage of .361, the best in the major leagues, and they are second in the league in walks. Their pitches-per-at-bat ratio continues to rank among the highest.”

Anonymous · Answer

Hi CJ, you are the only one that could help me and I desperately need your help. I really apologize for being so dumb. My questions are:

A: Is the bold would in sentence A conditional? I think it’s conditional with the implied of clause “if they gave us money”. What do you think?

B: Is the bold would in sentence B non-conditional? Is “it would imply…” in sentence B a variant or tentative form of “it implies ….” Just like “it would suggest” was a variant of “it suggests”?

Please help me, CJ. I am almost there.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi CJ, you are the only one that could help me and I desperately need your help. I really apologize for being so dumb. My questions are:
A: Is the bold would in sentence A conditional? I think it’s conditional with the implied of clause “if they gave us money”. What do you think?

B: Is the bold would in sentence B non-conditional? Is “it would imply…” in sentence B a variant or tentative form of “it implies ….” Just like “it would suggest” was a variant of “it suggests”? ?
Please help me, CJ. I am almost there.

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