Do/will/would - when to use what?

Question

Hello Teachers,I always find it so hard to figure out when to use what. For instance: How will I know? How would I know? How do I know? Please help me.  I'd also like to know the meaning of he snitched on me. Thanks.

Makka2802 · Accepted Answer

"How will I know?" refers to the future and means "how will I be able to know". For example, if you were going to meet someone you had not met before, e.g. "Person1: How will I know what he looks like?" "Person2: He is tall and wears glasses".

"How would I know?" is rhetorical (a question that does not need an answer) and means "you do not know something". It's usage should be avoided because it's rather negative. For example, "Person1: Do you know where my book is?" "Person2: How should I know?" "Person1: Sorry I asked.."

"How do I know?" asks another person to give reasons or information that will lead to knowledge of something, e.g. "Person1: How do I know you are the delivery man?" "Person2: Well here's my ID to prove it".

"He snitched on me" means "He told someone else that I had done X" where X is something you should not have done. For example, "I stole a ring and he snitched on me (to the police)".

Do/will/would - when to use what?

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