Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Won't vs. doesn't
Hello,
I know that doesn't is preferable to won't in the following sentence, but I can't explain why.
If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.
Thanks,
John
I know that doesn't is preferable to won't in the following sentence, but I can't explain why.
If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.
Thanks,
John
Top answer
Anonymous If the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription. To my ear, "won't" describes a person's will, in this sort of sentence. If you won't help me, I'll do it myself.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
0
AnonymousIf the paper doesn't arrive on time today, I'm going to cancel my subscription.To my ear, "won't" describes a person's will, in this sort of sentence.
If you won't help me, I'll do it myself.
Remove the if-clause, and it's simple future:
The paper won't be delivered today because the presses broke down.
0