Is the following sentence correct grammatically?

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
User avatar
Tomlevpt
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 4:47 pm
Status: Learner of English

Is the following sentence correct grammatically?

Post by Tomlevpt »

“The parties are hosted by older men who wouldn’t drink alcohol when they were younger.”

(Notice the usage of the word “would” in this context)
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15204
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: Is the following sentence correct grammatically?

Post by Alan »

Yes, it is correct, but on account of the multiple meanings of 'would' not felicitously phrased.

I would suggest instead: '...who DID not drink...'
Locked