Difference and meaning issue.

[PureEvil]

Hello dear users. I have a small issue with understanding and catching the difference between following sentences:

1) I should have had to have been a less victim.
2) I should have to have been a less victim.

I will be very glad if you'll help me out with that.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GoesStation]

I'm sorry, but neither sentence makes sense.

 

[PureEvil]

I'm sorry, but neither sentence makes sense.

Yes, you're right. But it's not about sense, it's about difference btw. them.

 

[GoesStation]

I can't think of a way to describe the difference between two equally meaningless sentences. Can you compose some different sentences illustrating the point you're trying to understand?

 

[GoesStation]

Re-reading your sentences, I think I understand what you're looking for. In American English, we can say "I would have had to have been an x" or "I would have to have been an x."

The first sentence places the discussion in an ongoing past, while the second places it in a completed past. It's a subtle difference which an actual teacher may be able to explain better.

Regarding "I should" versus "I would", "I should" implies obligation in American usage. In British usage, "I should" is common for the first-person singular form regardless of obligation.