In Numbers^x, Direct questions^x

I know 'would' carries many meanings. My problem is sometimes I find it difficult to tell which meaning the speaker uses. I think I understand its hypothetical usage, and in some contexts, its politeness usage. Below is a post that has several woulds I have trouble interpreting. I also...

I've highlighted things you need to fix. Alexgn wrote: I update my essay. http://picccs.mine.nu/pics/essay.htm ===================================================================================== In my opinion, the major issues in this case are terms and conditions of agreement...

I update my essay. http://picccs.mine.nu/pics/essay.htm ===================================================================================== In my opinion, the major issues in this case are terms and conditions of agreement between the two parties and misrepresentation. Therefore, the...

I have written an essay. It is for the law subject at undergraduate level. I am not a native English speaker. Could someone help me and check my essay for grammar and other errors? Many thanks, Alex http://picccs.mine.nu/pics/essay.htm ...

Unfortunately, this is an area of English which may be slowly undergoing a change. Not only do non-native speakers have difficulty with it, but a surprising number of educated native speakers seem to be using the inverted structure "incorrectly" more and more. It is so prevalent that some...

MrPedantic wrote: Alexa and Stannum, If my posts have the deleterious effect on you that you say, further discussion is naturally out of the question. Thank you for an interesting debate, MrP Before you go away with your bruised feelings please reread the posts that have bruised...

Yes. I thought maybe that's what you were referring to. would in an if clause is possible when the would or the entire if-clause is part of a formula of politeness. if you would be so kind is a typical example of if with would in a "politeness phrase". This formula is equivalent to please ....

Thank you very much. As for number 7: I was thinking of sentences like "If you will pardon me for saying so, it's... (it'll be...)" I suppose that "will" is not the auxiliary verb here, but means "are willing to, want to" or something like that; so, it doesn't seem to be a true exception....