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Manid Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

...would have ... vs...would...

...would have ... vs...would...

Hi, everybody! I need some help! Could you please explain me a few points concerning to using subjunctive mood. Here is the problem:
  • That muscle gave Australopithecus robustus an opposable thumb, a feature that would allow them to grip objects, including tools.
  • That muscle gave Australopithecus robustus an opposable thumb, a feature that would have allowed them to grip objects, including tools.
The question is what the difference is between them?
  

Top answer

Normally, "would allow" is in the present and "would have allowed" is in the past. However, your usage suggests a different interpretation. "Would allow" means that they did use tools and we know it.

— Doctor D

  • Normally, "would allow" is in the present and "would have allowed" is in the past.
  • However, your usage suggests a different interpretation.
  • "Would allow" means that they did use tools and we know it.
  • "Woud have allowed" means that they had the capacity to use tools, but we don't know if they did or not.
  • Does this make sense to you?
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2 Answers
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Normally, "would allow" is in the present and "would have allowed" is in the past. However, your usage suggests a different interpretation.


"Would allow" means that they did use tools and we know it.

"Woud have allowed" means that they had the capacity to use tools, but we don't know if they did or not.

Does this make sense to
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Thank you, sir! Your answer is exactly what I've sought.
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