Why would he do that?

[lagoo]

1.
Tom: Mike broke my window last night.
Jack: Why would he do that?




2.
Tom: Mike is going to break my window.
Jack: Why would he do that?


Are the use of "would" in both sentences correct?
Does "would" imply anger or surprise in either above sentence?

 

[J&K Tutoring]

Both are correct and have the same meaning: Why does he want to do such a thing? The time frame doesn't matter.

Does "would" imply anger or surprise in either above sentence?​

No.​

 

[Tdol]

But couldn't it be past or future puzzlement?

 

[lagoo]

Tom: Who broke my window last night?
Jack:
1. It could be Mike.
2. It would be Mike.
3. It could have been Mike.
4. Mike could have done it.
5. Mike would do it.

Would please tell me which ones are acceptable?

 

[emsr2d2]

Tom: Who broke my window last night?
Jack:
1. It could be Mike.
2. It would be Mike.
3. It could have been Mike.
4. Mike could have done it.
5. Mike would do it.

Would please tell me which ones are acceptable?

3 and 4 are best. 1 is possible. 2 and 5 wouldn't be used.

 

[GoesStation]

[STRIKE]Are[/STRIKE] Is the use of "would" in both sentences correct?

/

 

[jutfrank]

I think that it could express surprise/puzzlement at the action.

There's nothing about the would in itself that does this, although of course the comment as a whole is likely to convey puzzlement. You might equally say Why did he do that? with just as much puzzlement.

 

[jutfrank]

But couldn't it be past or future puzzlement?

I'm presently puzzled at this: What are past/future puzzlements?!

 

[abo.omar]

There's nothing about the would in itself that does this, although of course the comment as a whole is likely to convey puzzlement. You might equally say Why did he do that? with just as much puzzlement.

I think it will depend on his voice or his way of saying that to express his surprise or anger.
So would here may imply surprise or anger.

 

[jutfrank]

So "would" here may imply surprise or anger.

As I said, there's nothing about would in itself that implies surprise or anger. I thought that was what you were asking.

I think it will depend on his voice or his way of saying that to express his surprise or anger.

Yes, exactly. Along with the combination of words he uses.