1- i would never have told him
2- i have never told him
2006-09-18 17:03:05 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
In the first sentence you have told him. In the second you have not.
2006-09-18 17:11:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first sentence implies that you would not have told him if or unless certain conditions had been present. Like: I would never have told him if his mother had been present.
The second sentence is just a statement of fact indicating that you have not told this person something up to and including the present moment. However, it does not imply that perhaps in the future you will tell him. For this to be true the sentence would have to read: I will never tell him. (not now or in the future)
2006-09-18 17:21:16 · answer #2 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drunksage is right, but he forgot to mention that the first one is called, indeed, Past Conditional (or the Third Conditional) and expresses an action that you wouldn't have done, but another action took place and made you do the first one.
The second one is called Present Perfect Simple.
2006-09-18 17:21:32 · answer #3 · answered by mrquestion 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I would never have told him" is what might be described in other languages as being in the conditional tense or the subjective tense. It is a complete sentence, but it is usually qualified with a reason, as it indicates that you have actually told "him" something. Example: I would never have told him, but he threatened to break off our friendship.
"I have never told him" is a statement in the present tense. It simply states that, in the past, and up to this point in time, you have never told "him" something.
2006-09-18 17:14:08 · answer #4 · answered by drunksage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the difference is I would and I have they show how the first sentence is regretful while the other isn't.
Past and Present tense might also be another difference...
2006-09-18 17:05:48 · answer #5 · answered by greek_book_italian_goddess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where is my Strunk & White when I need it?!!!
Strunk & White would have you re-write #2: "I never told him." This has the same meaning, with one less word.
2006-09-18 17:41:38 · answer #6 · answered by Boomer Wisdom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
l) Past tense
2) Present tense
l
2006-09-18 17:13:18 · answer #7 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first one relates to an event u have not done, but incase u happen to do it....
Second one means u have done something and u dont wish to share.
2006-09-18 17:06:24 · answer #8 · answered by weirdoonee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋