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Won't, wouldn't; was looking
Posted by R. Berg on May 08, 2001
In Reply to: Won't, wouldn't posted by ESC on May 08, 2001
: : : Hi!
: : : I have two questions. Would you tell me which sentence sounds strange? My guess is 5. and 6. are not good.
: : : 1.Won't you please help me carry this baggage?
: : : 2.Wouldn't you please help me carry this baggage? (maybe sound very polite?)
: : : 3.As I looked at the picture, I thought this and that.
: : : 4.As I was looking at the picture, I thought this and that.
: : : 5.As I looked at the picture, I was thinking this and that.
: : : 6.As I was looking at the picture, I was thinking this and that.
: : : Thank you very mucu for your help.
: : : All the best,
: : : K. Yone
: :
: : Number 2 sounds completely wrong the rest are OK.
: I agree. All sound OK, except 2.
What's wrong with 2: If it didn't contain "please," it would sound angry or pleading. "Won't you help me" is all right, but "Will you help me" is what people usually say.
If you looked at the picture very briefly, you have to say "I looked." If you looked at the picture for a long time, you can say "I was looking."
- Won't, wouldn't; was looking kate 05/15/01
