...would raise eyebrows / ...raises eyebrows
Hello.
In an article of the Speak Up magazine:
"...even today, this role would raise eyebrows."
I would have said: "...even today this role raises eyebrows."
I'd like to know if I'm wrong. Is there any difference between these sentences?
Thank you.
Top answer
For me, the first sentence has an implied "if" in it. " (I'm guessing this "role" is a character in a play) I don't always know the formal names of the rules, but I think that's a "counterfactual". It's talking about hypothetical reaction to something which isn't necessarily happening.
- For me, the first sentence has an implied "if" in it.
- " (I'm guessing this "role" is a character in a play) I don't always know the formal names of the rules, but I think that's a "counterfactual".
- It's talking about hypothetical reaction to something which isn't necessarily happening.
- Maybe this play isn't performed nowadays.
- Maybe the role isn't included or is treated differently.
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For me, the first sentence has an implied "if" in it. So the phrase "even today" with the conditional says to me "even [if that role were written] today, it would raise eyebrows." (I'm guessing this "role" is a character in a play)
I don't always know the formal names of the rules, but I think that's a "counterfactual". It's talking about hypothetical reaction to something which isn't ne
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