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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

modal verbs

Can "will" be replaced by "would" or "should"?

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She will be back in five minutes.
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Thanks.
  

Top answer

Yes, although "would" is not usually in a sentence like this one. Most often it is back-shifted in indirect speech. She told us she would be back in five minutes.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Yes, although "would" is not usually in a sentence like this one.
  • Most often it is back-shifted in indirect speech.
  • She told us she would be back in five minutes.
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5 Answers
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Yes, although "would" is not usually in a sentence like this one.
Most often it is back-shifted in indirect speech.
She told us she would be back in five minutes.
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Only context will show which modal is appropriate.
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Could you tell me how to use "would"?

I think "will" and "should" are more natural, but I don't know why.

Thanks.
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She told us she would be back in five minutes. ("Will" is back-shifted to "would" in indirect speech)

Future in the past narrative:

Yesterday started out as every other day. Sharon woke up, got out of bed, and went to the bathroom. She would be back in five minutes. When she returned, she was surprised by the burglar who had come in through the window.
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