Learn English – Won’t vs wouldn’t

will-would

What is the difference in the usage of "won't" and "wouldn't" in these sentences:

The bathroom is filthy. I won't even wash my socks in it.
The bathroom is filthy. I wouldn't even wash my socks in it.

I know that "wouldn't" expresses refusal in the past but what does it mean in this sentence (if it's correct of course)?

Best Answer

wouldn't isn't only the past tense; it can also be used in a conditional or hypothetical sense.

"I won't even wash my socks in it" is a simple factual statement that I will not do it.

"I wouldn't even wash my socks in it" is essentially saying "I would not use it for anything, even washing my socks." It's like saying "Wash my face in that bathroom? I wouldn't even wash my socks in there" but we don't always say it so verbosely.

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