Would likely...would be

Question

HiIn the following sentences, 'would' is used because of 'implied conditional'. Right?If yes, How are they written as a conditional?In the first one, 'likely' is used for uncertainty, so using of 'would' for uncertainty isn't necessary. Why is it used? 1. It’s an imperative that you would likely hear at the table at school.2. This is about encouraging discussion, and such an occasion would be a good place to do that

Clive · Accepted Answer

1. It’s an imperative that you would likely hear at the table at school.

The implied conditional is eg If you were sitting at the table at school . . .

I wouldn't say that 'would' in #1 expresses uncertainty.

2. This is about encouraging discussion, and such an occasion would be a good place to do that

The implied conditional is eg if you wanted to do that.

CalifJim · Answer

Tara2In the first one, 'likely' is used for uncertainty, so using of 'would' for uncertainty isn't necessary. Why is it used?

Just because 'likely' is used for uncertainty doesn't mean you don't use 'would', which is compatible with 'likely'.

For example, you can say:

My best friend received a package in the mail yesterday.

We don't say, "We don't need to put 'receive' in the past because 'yesterday' already indicates the past".

So you make the tense agree with the other words in the sentence, depending on what you're thinking, of course. You don't expect the other words to carry all of the meaning. That's one of the reasons why 'would' can be used with 'likely'.

Tara21. It’s an imperative that you would likely hear at the table at school.
2. This is about encouraging discussion, and such an occasion would be a good place to do that.

There are usually other words in the sentence which can be used to retrieve the if-clause, or at least make a good guess.

1. If you ever happen to be at the table at school, (you would likely hear that imperative).
2. If you ever find yourself at that kind of occasion, (that's a good place to encourage discussion).

Remember that 'would' puts you in an alternate universe.

1. You're not at the table at school just now, but you imagine a scene where you are there. In that alternate universe you are likely to hear that imperative.

2. You are not at that kind of occasion just now, but you imagine a scene where you are there. In that alternate universe you are in a good place to encourage discussion.

CJ

Would likely...would be

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