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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Correct word

When someone says 'would you be able to help', should the below sentence use 'will' or 'would' or either one would be correct?

I 'will' be happy to help you.
I 'would' be happy to help you.
  

Top answer

both the sentence is correct but the word would makes the sentence more formal and polite

  • both the sentence is correct but the word would makes the sentence more formal and polite
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8 Answers
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both the sentence is correct but the word would makes the sentence more formal and polite
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I don't feel that "will" is less polite, but I do feel it's more definite.
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Anonymous Both the sentences is are correct, but the word 'would'
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fivejedjonPlease try to use correct English when you respond in this forum. Thank you.
Thanks for commenting on this post, teacher.

So what do you think about my question. Are both 'will' and 'would' possible and correct?
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BarbaraPAI don't feel that "will" is less polite, but I do feel it's more definite.
Thank you very much for commenting. So are both possible and the difference is that 'will' is more definite, meaning that the event will take place?

I understand that the use of 'would' here has nothing to do with conditional. Am I right?
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I'd say it's a conditional.
If you really need me.
If it turns out that you do it.
If you can't get anyone else.

If you say "will" it means you will do it without any condition.
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BarbaraPAI'd say it's a conditional.If you really need me.If it turns out that you do it.If you can't get anyone else.If you say "will" it means you will do it without any condition.
I see. But with all three of you example, doesn't 'will' work better due to the construction of the sentence?

For example: if you really 'need' me I 'will' help you.
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I wasn't suggesting you create a sentence using my phrases, I was trying to explain the type of situation you might have in your head when when using a conditional.

Indeed, if you wish to construct a sentence, you would use the tense as you have shown.
I would help you if you needed me.
I would do it if no one else could.

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