Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

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Newton
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Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Newton »

In a classroom, one student (A) to another (B):

A: I'm surprised! How did you know I wrote it on the board? (The writing is not on the board now. Maybe someone erased it, but B had already seen it.)

B1: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone could've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

B2: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone would've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

Are B1 and B2 correct?
Mr Greg
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Re: Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Mr Greg »

Both are correct.

Could suggests that it is possible.

Would suggests that it is as possible.
Newton
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Posts: 42
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2020 8:50 pm
Status: Learner of English

Re: Anyone would've guessed you wrote it

Post by Newton »

Thank you, Mr Greg :).

In the same context, the following would also be correct. Am I right?

Anyone could/would guess that you wrote it. (Guessing in the present)
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