Would have delayed

[Deepurple]

Could you please analyse the grammar rule on the use of "would have delayed" in the following sentence? Was it a subjunctive mood for speculation? I wondered if " would delay" could be used in its place.

"A new cruise terminal is important to the city's economy. We could ill afford to wait for another bidding round, which would have delayed the project even further."

Thank you.

[Raymott]

Could you please analyse the grammar rule on the use of "would have delayed" in the following sentence? Was it a subjunctive mood for speculation? I wondered if " would delay" could be used in its place.

"A new cruise terminal is important to the city's economy. We could ill afford to wait for another bidding round, which would have delayed the project even further."

Thank you.

The terminal is not yet built.
The project has been delayed in the past.
They did not wait for another bidding round.

Since "they did not wait" is in the past, "would delay/would have delayed" has to be in the past (or present perfect) - "would have delayed"
If the sentence said "We can ill afford to wait ..." it would be appropriate to use "would delay".

Besides, we don't know if the project is still delayed, only that it was delayed at the time of not waiting for another bidding round. If it is no longer delayed, then saying that something "would delay it further" doesn't make sense.

[Neillythere]

Hi Raymott

I was in the middle of previewing my response when I saw yours.
My response would have duplicated yours.

Best regards
NT

[Raymott]

Hi Raymott

I was in the middle of previewing my response when I saw yours.
My response would have duplicated yours.

Best regards
NT

You could have still posted it, (and edited it if necessary) with a note that it was a simultaneous posting.
That way: the OP and I know you aren't saying my post is wrong; you might have an idea that I didn't think of; and you haven't wasted your time.

[Neillythere]

Hi Deepurple

"A new cruise terminal is important to the city's economy. We could ill afford to wait for another bidding round, which would have delayed the project even further."

My comment would have basically been:

The wording "would have delayed" suggests that the decision not to go for a new bidding round has already been taken (in the past) and it hasn't, as such, contributed any further delays to the project.

Use of the term "would delay" doesn't actually confirm whether or not the decision has yet been made or whether the project has been/is delayed as a result.

Regards
NT