I'm scared he'd deny it

Hi everyone: I'm having a look at an exercise on vocabulary related to fears and worries. (It's not a grammar exercise.) Anyway, I've noticed the following pattern:

I'm petrified/worried/scared s/he'd do something

What I can't understand is the use of "would". (I'd say, "I'm scared he'll deny it.") Any help on this one? Thanks!

In my opinion, it is better to use "I'm worried he will deny it" because it is how you will feel in a situation which has not happened yet. Hope this helps.

I think she'll do something works better.

Thanks! :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tdol

I think she'll do something works better.

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:up:

I think what has happened - as often happens in speech - is that the grammar gets derailed. The thought behind the words is 'I'm scared [that, if I asked her] she'd...'
So backshifting happens in the thought behind the words, but doesn't belong in the actual words used.

b

Thanks Bob! That's a crystal clear explanation. :up: