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Here is an example of what I am wondering about:
In this sentence we have two questions, why and how. They both require different supporting words: would and could. Here I have chosen could, but would also sounds fine. Which is correct? Does the order of why and how in my sentence matter? Finally, what is the name for why and how in this sentence? Edit: I think this is a Syllepsis, and thus correct. |
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The answer to "is the first verb always the correct choice?" is No. The reason is the following: If you choose "I wonder why and how someone could kill a person.", you're saying the same as "I wonder why someone could kill a person and how someone could kill a person." You don't mean that. And if you choose "I wonder why and how someone would kill a person.", you're saying the same as "I wonder why someone would kill a person and how someone would kill a person." You don't mean exactly that either. The only solution that I can think of is to rebuild the sentence, otherwise you won't be expressing what you mean clearly. Something like: I wonder why someone would kill a person and also how someone could do it. |
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Either is correct, depending on the intended meaning.
This is asking two questions, of course. The first is: "I wonder why someone could kill a person.". This is a somewhat odd question if taken literally. The appropriate (though rather trite) response might be "Because we are all physical beings and are thus capable of killing." The second question is: "I wonder how someone could kill a person.". To this, a valid response might be, "With the use of a weapon such as a gun or knife, or one of various other means.".
Again, taking the first question: "I wonder why someone would kill a person.". To this, a valid response might be, "Perhaps because that person is an enemy in war.". The second question being, of course: "I wonder how someone would kill a person." This is quite similar to the second question of version 1, though with a subtle difference. It implies a specific intention that someone would kill another person, or similarly, what would be a likely means of killing. Finally, the order of why and how is not really a matter of grammar, so either way round is acceptable. However, I would tend to put how first as it is the more direct/superficial interrogative. |
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"Would" infers motive (love, money, jealousy, etc.), whereas "could" infers method (with a gun, knife, radiation poisoning, etc.). Noldorin answered this in a more detailed manner, however. Edit: In my opinion, there isn't a "correct" use here -- it depends on what you mean. "Could" and "would" are two entirely separate questions. |
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