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New2grammar Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

would [have] punched

Mike: Yesterday, when I was standing in line to get a movie ticket, someone pushed me and I fell flat on my face. He apologized and left without giving me a hand.

John: If I were you, I [would punch/would have punched] him in the face.

Are both correct with different meanings?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Hi, I'd say: I would punch ---> now or later. I would find him and punch him in the face. I would have punched ----> at that moment, not now.

— Kooyeen

  • Hi, I'd say: I would punch ---> now or later.
  • I would find him and punch him in the face.
  • I would have punched ----> at that moment, not now.
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4 Answers
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Hi,
I'd say:
I would punch ---> now or later. I would find him and punch him in the face.
I would have punched ----> at that moment, not now.
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I'm not completely sure but I believe native speakers would say 'would punch' though they don't really mean 'they would find him now and punch him in the face'. Precisely, 'would have punched' would be more relevant as the event is in the past. However, I believe 'would punch' is prefered by native speakers. I could be wrong that there may not be any preference and both are correct with different
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No, my preference is 'would have punched'. Otherwise it sounds as though I am advising the person to go and find him and punch him now.
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Thank you, Kooyeen and Nona. It's clear now!
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