Which one is correct?

Question

this is talking about something undecided:

I'm afriad I would need to do overtime and that would affect my results.

I'm afraid I need to do overtime and that will affect my results.

which one should be used? and why?

thanks.

Benita · Accepted Answer

Which is the undecided part here or rather what is it that you want to stress?  Is it the overtime or is it the affect it will have on your results?

Benita · Answer

I'm afriad I would need to do overtime and that may affect my results. There is a possibility that you may need to do overtime and that in turn could affect your results.

I'm afraid I need to do overtime and that will affect my results. This sentence states that you are sure you need to do overtime and that is going to affect your results. This sentence reflects certainty and positiveness.

As explained above, you can use the first sentence, if you want your statement to express uncertainty or probability. The second sentence can be used when you know you are sure of the whole thing.

Amend · Answer

Or you can use

I'm afraid that I might need to do overtime and that will affect my results.

Wingb1 · Answer

thanks! that's really clear. Just one more thing though. So the use of 'would' expresses uncertainty? (other than, 'may')

amend's reply uses 'might' instead of 'would', what is the differences there?

thanks.

Which one is correct?

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