[Grammar] Would have done (for a repeated action in the past)

[englishhobby]

Can would have done be used for a repeated action in the past?

Consider the following examples:

1) He used to visit Jane' family quite often when he lived nextdoor to them.
2) He would visit Jane's family every now and then when he lived nextdoor to them.
3) He would have visited (= he often visited them in the past, a repeated action in the past)...............?

Is there a way to complete sentence 3) so that the verb visit would have a "repeated" meaning, describing a repeated action in the past (like in the first two examples)?

I am asking this question because I was told in this forum that it's possible, but I still doubt it and can only think of one use of would have done, for an action in the past that DID NOT actually happen: He would have visited Jane' family, if he had had time (but he DID NOT visit them).

 

[bhaisahab]

Can would have done be used for a repeated action in the past?

Consider the following examples:

1) He used to visit Jane' family quite often when he lived nextdoor to them.
2) He would visit Jane's family every now and then when he lived nextdoor to them.
3) He would have visited (= he often visited them in the past, a repeated action in the past)...............?

Is there a way to complete sentence 3) so that the verb visit would have a "repeated" meaning, describing a repeated action in the past (like in the first two examples)?

I am asking this question because I was told in this forum that it's possible, but I still doubt it and can only think of one use of would have done, for an action in the past that DID NOT actually happen: He would have visited Jane' family, if he had had time (but he DID NOT visit them).

"He would have visited Jane's family often when they lived nearby."

 

[LeTyan]

In fact, "used to" and "would" already contain a "repeated" connotation, which means, in your first two sentences, "quite often" and "every now and then" are not necessary but it's Okay for them to be there.

However, to my knowledge, "would have done" has no "repeated" connotation to it.

************NOT A TEACHER***********

 

[englishhobby]

However, to my knowledge, "would have done" has no "repeated" connotation to it.

************NOT A TEACHER***********

I myself was surprised when I learned that it HAS! Now I am looking for examples.

 

[englishhobby]

"He would have visited Jane's family often when they lived nearby."

What's the difference between this sentence and sentences 1) and 2)?

 

[bhaisahab]

What's the difference between this sentence and sentences 1) and 2)?

We are stating a probability, we think that it's very likely that that's what he did.

 

[MikeNewYork]

In fact, "used to" and "would" already contain a "repeated" connotation, which means, in your first two sentences, "quite often" and "every now and then" are not necessary but it's Okay for them to be there.

However, to my knowledge, "would have done" has no "repeated" connotation to it.

************NOT A TEACHER***********

I disagree with this post. Yes, "used to" and "would" convey "repetition", but they say nothing about the frequency. "Quite often" and "every now and then" provide the information about frequency.

 

[englishhobby]

We are stating a probability, we think that it's very likely that that's what he did.

Can I say in the same way He MUST have visited Jane's family quite often... or He MAY have visited Jane's family quite often... with different degrees of probability ?
:?:

 

[MikeNewYork]

Can I say in the same way He MUST have visited Jane's family quite often... or He MAY have visited Jane's family quite often... with different degrees of probability ?
:?:

Yes. Also "might". But one has to understand that modal verbs often reflect the opinion/view of the speaker/writer. The reality is often different.