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Could there if there is any difference between the question why would anyone do that and why would anyone have done that? For example:

Sara says somebody has stolen her pen. That's insanity. Why would anyone do that?

Sara says somebody has stolen her pen. That's insanity. Why would anyone have done that?

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  • Why don't you tell us? You constantly pose these questions without making any effort.
    – Lambie
    Apr 24, 2021 at 20:44
  • @Lambie: I've got the most extensive English grammar books. By now, I would say, I know them inside out because I always use them for reference. As good as they are, I couldn't find the answer to the question I posted.
    – Dmytro O'Hope
    Apr 25, 2021 at 16:15
  • One is past conditional and one is present conditional. Your books don't have that?
    – Lambie
    Apr 25, 2021 at 16:43
  • @Lambie: Yes, they do have them, but in the context I provided I can't see a clear distinction between them.
    – Dmytro O'Hope
    Apr 25, 2021 at 18:05
  • Why would anyone ask a question like this? [I ask now.] VERSUS Why would anyone have asked a question like this? [I ask about the past, for example, your other questions like this one.]
    – Lambie
    Apr 25, 2021 at 18:25

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They both mean essentially the same thing. However there is a subtle difference in the implicit emphasis, at least as I read them:

  1. Why would anyone DO that?

This is almost a philosophical and moral question. Why would anyone DO that? I can't imagine the sociopathic state of mind to commit this heinous act.

  1. WHY would anyone have done THAT?

This is more a question about the specific act. You're leaving something out. I don't believe the story. It doesn't make sense. Maybe there was a misunderstanding.

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