What's the difference in meaning?

Question

I would go there if she gave me a ride. I don't know if she will give me a ride or not.

vs.

I will go there if she gives me a ride. I don't know if she will give me a ride or not.

I know both are correct but I would like to know what's the difference in meaning between them?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

https://www.EnglishForward.com/English/WillWould/xczpj/post.htm

https://www.EnglishForward.com/English/WouldWill/bbxhbz/post.htm

https://www.EnglishForward.com/English/WouldWill/bdxgrn/post.htm

CalifJim · Answer

anonymousdifference

Short(ish) answer.

will - The situation is immediate. It's right in front of you.
would - The situation is remote. It's only in your imagination.

Long(ish) answer.

With 'will' you are in a situation where realistically she might give you a ride because you really need a ride fairly soon. It's possible that right now you are looking for a ride because you've been invited to go somewhere.

With 'would' you can be sitting in a comfortable chair a thousand miles away, and not needing a ride at all, but simply musing about different situations where you might need a ride, imagining who might give you a ride and where you might want to go, and so on.

Now I have a question for you.

Does any of this talk about 'will' and 'would' really make it any easier for you to use these words?

Many students have asked as many as 100 questions on this topic. They have read even more answers. Still they seem as confused as (or more confused than) when they asked the first question.

So I doubt that more and more answers will help. You'll learn it faster by examining as many examples as you can find and especially by listening to native speakers as much as possible and imitating their usage.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you both of you. I do believe asking as many questions as possible will help me clear my confusion.

What's the difference in meaning?

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