Wednesday, January 18, 2017

modality - Use and meaning of "wouldn't" in "you wouldn't" and "a speaker wouldn't"


I have asked many questions about "would" both in ELL and ELU. But I still have a question about the use of "would". I have recently asked a question which @Jay also answered.


He used "wouldn't" in the following sentences:




  1. Here, you wouldn't say, "May I ask you what is your name?" Though we break this rule for questions sometimes

  2. Well, someone might say that in informal speech, but you wouldn't write it or use it in formal speech.

  3. "May I ask you what's your name?" is awkward; a fluent speaker wouldn't say that.




Why "wouldn't" has been used there and in which sense or meaning? Does it mean "refused to do (something)"?


Am I quite right here in thinking that:


'Would' is a little milder than 'will' and it's also used to show the intention of the person rather than the actual action.'Will' refers to something which will actually happen. It shows strong certainty of occurring or actual intention of the speaker.


On the other hand, "would" also refers to something which may happen in the future but it shows less of its certainty or lack of confidence of the speaker. "Would" can be used instead of "will" if the speaker is less certain of the fact he's talking about?




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