быbefore or after verb

[Mark Kingdom]

Hi all,

I wrote the following sentence to a Russian friend of mine:

Я купил бы эту вещь, но у меня нет денег.

She replied, (quoting) "...using бы after the verb is lazy, as if you are
giving yourself time to think of an excuse."

She says it is better to use бы before the verb: Я бы купил эту вещь, но у
меня нет денег.

I was taught that you can say it either way. What *is* the difference in
placement? Do you agree with my friend's statement?

Thanks!

Mark

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