5

I'm a beginner of English and really appreciate that you can help me learn more. I noticed a sentence:

I think all the girls in the anime are awesome, but my favorites would have to be Nozomi and Umi!

I'm really confused about the usage of would have to be. What's the difference between “my favorites would have to be (somebody)” and “my favorites are (somebody)”?

Improve this question
3
  • 4
    It's a way to not explicitly choose outright, but tell someone that, "If you were to ask me (or if you were to make me choose) who my favorites are I would answer this way."
    – Jim
    Feb 9, 2015 at 6:08
  • It's a form of 'hedging', just in case the person you're talking to likes Adori best. And is the person you're about to ask to lend you some money.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Feb 9, 2015 at 11:25
  • 1
    @Jim Please post your answer as an answer.
    – 200_success
    Feb 11, 2015 at 9:43

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

It is an alternative to the word "are" but indicates that the choice is hard to make, or the chooser is reluctant to make the choice.

Improve this answer
0

The sentence indicates the conditional clause and “would have to be “ can be used in the same way as “have to be” or must be “

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.