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LATO Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Would / wouldn't do something
I wouldn't know that.
I would say she is just plain dumb.
in the above sentences, what does the word "would" imply?
thanks.
I would say she is just plain dumb.
in the above sentences, what does the word "would" imply?
thanks.
Top answer
LATO what does the word "would" imply? Lack of backbone, perhaps? It implies doubt about one's own beliefs.
- LATO what does the word "would" imply?
- Lack of backbone, perhaps?
- It implies doubt about one's own beliefs.
- Often, though, it is feigned doubt -- to be polite -- to avoid saying the corresponding statement without would , which might be too definite or harsh.
- Your second example illustrates this softening effect a little better than the first.
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2 Answers
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LATOwhat does the word "would" imply?Lack of backbone, perhaps?
It implies doubt about
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