Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Members help members on grammar, vocab, pronunciation...

Moderator: EC

Post Reply
Newton
Member
Posts: 42
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2020 8:50 pm
Status: Learner of English

Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Newton »

In a classroom, one student (A) to another (B):

A: I'm surprised! How did you know I wrote it on the board? (The writing is not on the board now. Maybe someone erased it, but B had already seen it.)

B1: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone could've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

B2: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone would've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

Are B1 and B2 correct?
Mr Greg
Rising Star
Rising Star
Posts: 142
Joined: Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:28 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: https://www.mrgregenglish.com/

Re: Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Mr Greg »

Both are correct.

Could suggests that it is possible.

Would suggests that it is as possible.
Newton
Member
Posts: 42
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2020 8:50 pm
Status: Learner of English

Re: Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Newton »

Thank you, Mr Greg :).

In the same context, the following would also be correct. Am I right?

Anyone could/would guess that you wrote it. (Guessing in the present)
Post Reply