[Grammar] "I wouldn't be having the time" vs "I won't have the time"?

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Hugo_Lin

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Hi, native English speaker friends:

I wouldn't be having the time to do it.
I won't have the time to do it.

Which one is more frequently used and what's the difference?

I think I hear the first one more often. But don't understand why people don't say the 2nd more often.

Many thanks
 

5jj

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The first one sounds rather unnatural to me.
 

emsr2d2

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As far as I'm concerned, the first is so unnatural as to be incorrect.
 

Hugo_Lin

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Thanks to you both, 5jj and emsr2d2.

But I think I've heard the pattern "I wouldn't be doing something" or "I would be doing something" very often. Is it just my illusion?

Plus, I think I've at least heard "I need to get going", rather than " I need to go"
 

emsr2d2

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Thanks to you both, 5jj and emsr2d2.

But I think I've heard the pattern "I wouldn't be doing something" or "I would be doing something" very often. Is it just my illusion?

Plus, I think I've at least heard "I need to get going", rather than " I need to go"

I'm not disputing that. I'm simply saying that "I won't/wouldn't be having the time ..." is unnatural. Just because a construction is used with one set of words doesn't mean that you can use it with all of them.

If I were you, I wouldn't be doing that. :tick:
It's late so I need to get going. :tick:
I can't help you build your house tomorrow. I won't be having the time. :cross:
I can't help you build your house tomorrow. I won't have the time.:tick:
 

Hugo_Lin

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Thank you, Mr. emsr2d2.

But what's the difference between:
If I were you, I wouldn't be doing that.
If I were you, I would do that.​
 

Hugo_Lin

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As far as I'm concerned, the first is so unnatural as to be incorrect.

Sorry. New question comes up!!

I was taught that as to be= in order to be

Why is it not:

The first is so unnatural as to be correct.Many thanks in advance.
 

5jj

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Hugo_Lin

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Please do not assume that people who give sound answers have to be male. ems is not.


My apologies. :)

Thought about that when I replied. But in China, Mister can also used to be address female teachers. That's why I chose to use Mr.

Will be more careful next time.
 
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