I'm scared he'd deny it

[Intoarut]

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!

[ladyredrose]

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.

[Tdol]

I think she'll do something works better.

[Intoarut]

Thanks!

[BobK]

I think she'll do something works better.

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

[Intoarut]

Thanks Bob! That's a crystal clear explanation.