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Satokos Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
"would" in the past tense
I'm always confused about the use of "would".
What does this "would" mean?
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Yet, in my immaturity, in my naivete and idiocy, I'd joined a sorority, and for this impulsive act I would pay, financially and emotionally, for a long time.
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Is this "would" is used as a past tense of "will"? What the difference if it is just used as "paid"?
What does this "would" mean?
---------
Yet, in my immaturity, in my naivete and idiocy, I'd joined a sorority, and for this impulsive act I would pay, financially and emotionally, for a long time.
----------
Is this "would" is used as a past tense of "will"? What the difference if it is just used as "paid"?
Top answer
Yes, past tense of "will" (future-in-the-past). The difference between "would pay" and "paid" in that sentence is one of perspective. "would pay" is looking forward from the viewpoint of the past, while "paid" is looking back from the viewpoint of the present.
- Yes, past tense of "will" (future-in-the-past).
- The difference between "would pay" and "paid" in that sentence is one of perspective.
- "would pay" is looking forward from the viewpoint of the past, while "paid" is looking back from the viewpoint of the present.
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1 Answers
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Yes, past tense of "will" (future-in-the-past). The difference between "would pay" and "paid" in that sentence is one of perspective. "would pay" is looking forward from the viewpoint of the past, while "paid" is looking back from the viewpoint of the present.
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