Would’ve of probability

anonymous

EverestCTSWhy not simply say “no. He didn’t know him….”?

She might have, but she said the other thing.

EverestCTSWhat’s the purpose of using “would have”?

She provides supporting evidence for her veracity. Not only did he not recognize him, there is no way he could have, and that is what she is saying. You asked for an example. It is possible for someone to say that.

EverestCTSIs it still would’ve of probability?

Yes. The alternative is volition, and she is not saying that he refused to recognize him.

The reason for using “wouldn’t have” is that she was not 100% sure about Ralph not knowing Jack and she is just assuming based on the evidence available that Ralph didn’t know Jack?

If she was absolutely sure, she would’ve said “Ralph couldn't have known Jack.”

Am I understanding it correctly? I am just trying understand with what meaning “wouldn’t have” was used.