"would be inclined" vs "would have been inclined"

Question

"would be inclined" vs "would have been inclined"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Would have been inclined' is used to talk about a past hypothetical situation, while 'would be inclined' is used to talk about a present or future hypothetical situation.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical inclination or tendency in the present or future. It implies that the inclination exists currently or will exist in the future.

Examples:

If he knew about the benefits, he would be inclined to join the program.
She would be inclined to support the idea if it was presented clearly.

Alternatives:

might be inclined
could be inclined
should be inclined
is inclined to

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical inclination or tendency in the past. It implies that the inclination existed in the past but did not actually happen.

Examples:

If he had known about the offer, he would have been inclined to accept it.
She would have been inclined to help if she had been asked earlier.

Alternatives:

might have been inclined
could have been inclined
should have been inclined
was inclined to

Answer 1

would be inclined

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a present or future hypothetical situation.

Answer 2

would have been inclined

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a past hypothetical situation.

"would be inclined" vs "would have been inclined"

would be inclined

would have been inclined

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