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Vladv Posted 4 years ago
Grammar

Would

The finance minister would continue on the course he had been following, but an unexpected event, the Sino-Japanese War, which had begun in August 1894, dragged hirn into the domain of foreign affairs, adding to the
heavy burden of work he was already engaged in. As will be seen, he became involved because of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. The war put Russia on a path that would lead to bloody conflict with Japan.

Sergei Witte and the twilight of imperial Russia : a biography by Harcave, Sidney

Could you explain the meaning of would here? Does it mean wanted? Does it mean "would have continued but was not able to" Or something else? Thanks a lot.

  

Top answer

Vladv Could you explain the meaning of would here? Does it mean wanted? I wasn't sure, myself, at first.

— Anonymous

  • Vladv Could you explain the meaning of would here?
  • Does it mean wanted?
  • I wasn't sure, myself, at first.
  • The writer is stuffy enough for that, but I think he means that Witte continued as usual for the span of time between what he was just talking about and his embroilment in the railroad.
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2 Answers
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VladvCould you explain the meaning of would here? Does it mean wanted?

I wasn't sure, myself, at first. The writer is stuffy enough for that, but I think he means that Witte continued as usual for the span of time between what he was just talking about and his embroilment in the railroad.

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VladvThe finance minister [would / was going to / intended to] continue on the course he had been following

I see it as shown above — mostly 'would' as the past of 'will'.

'will' is to 'is going to' as 'would' is to 'was going to'.

VladvCould you explain the meaning of would here?
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