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would have been vs would be

The phrases 'would have been' and 'would be' are used in different contexts. 'Would have been' is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen, while 'would be' is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the present or future. Therefore, they are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 835 views

would have been

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about hypothetical situations in the past that did not occur.

Use 'would have been' to refer to something that was supposed to happen in the past but did not actually happen.

Examples:

If I had studied harder, I would have been accepted into the university.
She would have been happier if she had chosen a different career path.
The team would have been champions if they had won the last game.

Show examples from the web [+]

1 day ago ... Heatwave energy shortages would have been 'much worse' without solar power, experts say · "The very significant growth in solar basically ...
3 days ago ... A police officer who abused his position to start sexual relationships with women would have been sacked had he not resigned, a hearing has ...
2 days ago ... Then Again: Revolutionary-era road would have been part of an invasion. For all the debate over the advisability of building the road, ...
Jul 25, 2023 ... The “heat hell” searing parts of the United States and southern Europe would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change, while ...
Jun 13, 2023 ... The real injustice would have been not to indict Donald Trump. The former president must be subject to due process. Donald Trump image: AP.
Nov 27, 2014 ... 'That would have been beneficial': LGBTQ education for home-care service providers. Health Soc Care Community. 2015 May;23(3):282-91. doi: ...
Without human-caused climate change temperatures of 40°C in the UK would have been extremely unlikely. 28 July, 2022.

Alternatives:

could have been
might have been
should have been
ought to have been
was supposed to have been

would be

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

Use 'would be' to refer to something that is hypothetical in the present or future.

Examples:

If I won the lottery, I would be able to travel the world.
She would be happy if she got the promotion.
If it rained tomorrow, the picnic would be canceled.

Show examples from the web [+]

Life would be impossible without lies.
My best guess would be petty criminal.
Most people would be too scared.
Her instincts would be working full-time.
Producer said it would be inspirational.
Arthur said the estimated total proceeds would be 150,000.
Letting Miguel kill Fleeter would be a gamble.
You said everything would be okay.
An espresso machine would be nice.
The original would be a fake.
Certainly would be strong motive for murder.
Honesty would be a good start.
Except an explanation would be nice.
Because America would be nothing without Americans.
Dramatic would be leaving before I kill this hunter.
Disrupting that amount of brain activity would be fatal.
Intendant Pelletier would be proud of his daughter today.
So all your problems would be solved.
But my routine would be stronger.
Only CIA would be so deceitful.

Alternatives:

could be
might be
should be
ought to be
is supposed to be

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