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Zuotengdazuo Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Wouldn't have?

Hi, dear teachers. I already knew that "would have pp" can refer to something that didn't actually happen.

Then what about "wouldn't have"? Does it just refer to something that actually happened?

In some cases it seems so, for example,

1. Without Bronn she would never have reached the Vale, she knew (in fact she did reach the Vale)

But I am less sure about the following sentences because they don't seem to refer to something that actually happened.

2. How could Littlefinger have known she was here? Ser Rodrik would never have told him. Old he might be, but he was stubborn, and loyal to a fault.

3. She closed her eyes and bit her lip and sent the fear away. When she looked again, the monsters would be gone. Would never have been.

4. The wooden sword she carried in her left hand, out where everybody could see it, to scare off robbers, but there were men in the pot-shops who wouldn’t have been scared off if she’d had a battle-axe. (in fact the men in the pot-shop were scared off even if she didn't have a battle-axe??)

Does "would not/never have" also have two usages, just like "would have"?

Please elaborate on it. Thank you.

  

Top answer

zuotengdazuo I already kn o w that "would have pp" can refer to something that didn't actually happen. An example would be useful here. zuotengdazuo Does "would not/never have" also have two usages, just like "would have"?

— CalifJim

  • zuotengdazuo I already kn o w that "would have pp" can refer to something that didn't actually happen.
  • An example would be useful here.
  • zuotengdazuo Does "would not/never have" also have two usages, just like "would have"?
  • Which two usages are you referring to?
  • A few sentences illustrating the "two usages" would be helpful.
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4 Answers
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zuotengdazuoI already know that "would have pp" can refer to something that didn't actually happen.

An example would be useful here.

zuotengdazuoDoes "would not/never have" also have two usages, just like "would have"?

Which two usages are you referring to? A few sentences illus

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Hi, dear teachers. Sorry for doing this topic again. I have discussed this with Mr. CJ. But I also want to know how you others understand negative of "would have".

First, I already know "wouldn't have" can have counterfactual meaning, for example,

If Chuck had studied , he probably wouldn't have failed his midterm exam. (in fact he didn't study so he failed the exam)

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zuotengdazuo I have discussed this with Mr. CJ.

Please supply us a link to that discussion.

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