Teacher Discussion Forums

I was reading the TV bit of the Guardian's Guide supplement the other week, and in their review of Flags of Our Fathers, they said that John Wayne 'would be spinning in his grave' (at what I assume they reckon is Eastwood's somewhat "revisionist" take on the battle for Iwo Jima and its aftermath - and yes, I have seen the film myself). Now I know that this phrase with 'would be' isn't exactly infrequent (I did a bit of Googling), but I was just wondering what modal you guys here on Dave's would select in such a context and/or generally - I mean, to me, Wayne is indeed in his grave so 'will be' or better yet 'must be' do it more for me; then there is the possibility of simply 'is' (but not I think in this context).

It does seem to suggest an unspoken "if he were alive today"; but I suppose even listings editors should be given the benefit of the doubt.

(I would opt for "must be" as well.)

MrP

Is it pedantic to point out that "if he was alive today" John Wayne probably wouldn't be in his grave, spinning or otherwise. Maybe I missed something.

Not at all – that's why we have to give the editor the "benefit of the doubt" (in the hope that that wasn't his unspoken thought).

MrP