would refuse/would have refused

Question

'But if you didn't know any Russian why did you offer to give him Russian lessons?
Because I knew that he would refuse/would have refused.He always rejected my offers.'

Is there any difference in the meaning of the sentence if I choose would refuse rather than would have refused?
At first I would opt for I would have refused but after pondering a while I've come to the conclusion that even would refuse could go.
But I can't really figure out the different shades of meaning underlying the choice.

Anyone can help?

Thanks in advance

Doll · Accepted Answer

I would vote for "would have refused". Everything sets in the past so no need to shift to the present. For more detailed information, search "would/would have" on the search box right above.

Tarkowsky · Answer

DollI would vote for "would have refused". Everything sets in the past so no need to shift to the present. For more detailed information, search "would/would have" on the search box right above.

Is not as simple as saying that everything is set in the past.By the way would refuse refers to a "future in past" situation and not to the present.

Using would have refused implies that you are making an assumption about a hypothetical situation which didn't take place.

I guess that would refuse is the right choice in this contex since it refers to a real situation that took place (I offered him some English lessons which he refused)

Doll · Answer

Hmm, obviously you know the answer so what is the point in asking it again?

"~~Is not~~ as simple as saying that everything is set in the past."

What can I do? I am a simple girl and give simple answers. Don't forget to search "politeness expressions" too.

would refuse/would have refused

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