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Thread: won't work vs doesn't work

  1. #1
    Winwin2011 is offline Senior Member
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    Default won't work vs doesn't work

    1. The shower won't work.
    2. The shower doesn't work.

    Is there any difference when we are using "won't" and "doesn't" in the above sentences? What does "won't i.e will not " mean in the above context? We usually use "will" for the future.

    Thanks for your help!

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    5jj
    5jj is online now Moderator
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    Default Re: won't work vs doesn't work

    Both are possible. 'Will/won't' can be used of willingness. John won't tidy his room (He is unwilling to do it, refuses to do it). If we use 'won't work' of an inanimate object, we are perhaps suggesting that that object is displaying stubbornness.
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    Winwin2011 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: won't work vs doesn't work

    Quote Originally Posted by 5jj View Post
    Both are possible. 'Will/won't' can be used of willingness. John won't tidy his room (He is unwilling to do it, refuses to do it). If we use 'won't work' of an inanimate object, we are perhaps suggesting that that object is displaying stubbornness.
    Thanks a lot 5jj.

    Does "stubbornness" mean 'difficult to move'?
    Last edited by Winwin2011; 14-Nov-2012 at 13:57.

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