Incorrect use of ‘would have’ may be a form of hypercorrection

EDITOR: Last Weekend’s ‘On Language ‘, once again, tries to ‘correct ‘ the pervasive misuse of ‘would have’ in “educated circles “ in our region.

The correction and explanation presented by ‘On Language ‘ thoroughly outline the correct grammatical usage of ‘would have’, along with proffering suggestions as to how and why the error is often made. Yet, the very detail of this explanation may serve to confuse rather than enlighten.

I feel strongly that “would have” is often employed by speakers (as opposed to writers) in an attempt to elevate their expression. It’s as though “would have”, irrespective of its meaning, makes one’s expression sound “higher”, “more educated “, more correct. Indeed, this misuse of “would have” may well be a form of hypercorrection in an attempt to impress.

An irony is that such speakers would have been more impressive had they not used “would have”.

Annie-Laurie