I'm sure I would do that.

Question

Is the following sentence correct under close analysis? "would" is used where one is hoping to do something but is not completely sure. "I'm sure" implies that "I" is determined and fully sure to do it. So, don't you think "I'm sure" and "would" are in contradiction of each other? Either "I'm sure" should be replaced with, say, 'I hope', or "would" with 'will'. Do I make any sense?

I'm sure I would do that.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

No contradiction.

I am sure I would do that if I had a chance to.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Mister MicawberI am sure I would do that if I had a chance to.

Thanks, Mr Micawber.

But what if there was no "if I had a chance to"? Don't you think 'will' would be more fitting? Please let me know.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Sorry, no. The most common utterances are probably "I'm sure I'd do that' for a hypothetical situation and 'I'm sure I'll do that' for a plan.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Mister MicawberSorry, no. The most common utterances are probably "I'm sure I'd do that' for a hypothetical situation and 'I'm sure I'll do that' for a plan.

Thanks, Mr Micawber.

"I'm sure I'd do that" - Yes, for a hypothetical situation it's okay. The part 'if I had a chance' is understood, I think. I believe in such a case "would" is past tense of 'will' for consistency of tenses.

"Are you sure you will do this? Yes, I'm 100% sure I'll do this." - In such a case using 'would' be a contradition, don't you think? What I'm trying to argue is when one is in 'true' present and something is going to happen in 'true' future and one is completely sure, then 'will' should be used. When there is a bit of uncertainty, then going with 'would' is a better choice. Though, future always has a bit of uncertainty attached to it, no matter how sure one is. The same reasoning apllies to 'can' and 'could'.

Please guide me.

Anonymous · Answer

Jackson6612"Are you sure you will do this? Yes, I'm 100% sure I'll do this." - In such a case using 'would' be a contradition,

"Are you sure" implies that some conversation has gone before. It may or may not have involved a conditional.

What will you do (future) if they ask you for identification? (reply) I'd tell them that you're my brother.

In casual conversation, these people both know they're talking about a hypothetical. Each person could choose to express it in his own terms.

Are you sure that's what you'll do? (reply) Yes, I'm sure that's what I'd do.

In this case, "would" is definitely not the past tense of "will."

(This would/should not be done in a formal situation. The speakers should match tenses.)

- A. (avangi)

Jackson6612 · Answer

Hi Avangi

So you okay my reasoning for formal talk? Please let m know.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Mister Micawber"I'm sure I'd do that' for a hypothetical situation and 'I'm sure I'll do that' for a plan.

Hi

How would differentiate between a plan and a hypothetical situation/plan? Doesn't every plan have a bit of uncertainty about it?

Perhaps one could say 'hypothetical situation/plan' is used when there is a lot of uncertainty involved or it is conditional on something else. The word 'plan' is used when at least on part of a the speake everything is certain and clear.

Please guide me. Thank you.

I'm sure I would do that.

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