Contract

Question

I cancelled the contract thinking that I won't be liable for the months after. Or

I cancelled the contract thinking that I wouldn't be liable for the months after.

Are both useable and what's the difference when using won't and wouldn't

Thank you!

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

PreciousJoneswhat's the difference

Matching the tenses (cancelled ... wouldn't ...) is the usual and more consistent way of saying it.

The other version seems to switch horses in midstream, so when we hear "won't" after "cancelled", we feel the jarring effect of a sudden change in the point of view, as if you're switching from telling the story to making a direct quote of your thoughts at the time, thus:

I cancelled, thinking, "I won't be liable".

If you are really thinking of it this way, and saying it this way with your voice (with a little pause after "thinking"), then you can use this one, but I think there are fewer headaches if you just use "wouldn't".

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Its wouldn't. will is the first conditional would is the second conditional. When dealing with a condition in the past you use the second conditional. If like CalifJim says you're actually quoting what you thought in the moment then you would put quotes around "I won't be liable.. after"

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