1. BillyxRansom

    BillyxRansom Active Member

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    Sentences (not questions) that begin "Would that"...

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by BillyxRansom, Aug 21, 2009.

    What do these sentences mean?


    Example I just pulled from the internet:

    "Would that that reality was only a fantasy."


    Huh?
     
  2. Far Away

    Far Away New Member

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    Hm :S Is it possible it's a typo on the author's part?
     
  3. Amo_angelus

    Amo_angelus New Member

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    A little poem here for you to demonstrate how when used correctly it makes sense.

    Would that is mainly used in poetic writing. Instead of making a lengthy phrase about how you intend on doing something, how you would do something if you could, it's shortened.

    On a larger scale, it can be used to express thoughts and ideas. Would that reality were fantasy, is basically if reality was a fantasy.

    My god that is very badly explained. But try reading through the whole thing a few times, the meaning of the phrase should become apparent when reading in context.
     
  4. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Essentially it means the same as "If only ...", but with a more archaic tone.
     
  5. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    it's very old-fashioned and not used much by today's writers, nor much understood by today's readers...
     
  6. BillyxRansom

    BillyxRansom Active Member

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    You guys have been helpful. Thanks.
     

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