will be ~ing vs would + V ?

Question

I have a question about 'will be ~ing vs would'

Could anyone help me understand the difference?

I learned from a English grammar book that

when you are not really sure, you can say "I will be seeing you" instead of "I will see you"

and another book says that "I would see you" instead of "I will see you"

So, my question is that which is which?

I will see you.

I will be seeing you.

I would see you.

I know all aboves are gramatically correct, but what is the difference?

As a English learner, this is really hard...

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I have a question about 'will be ~ing vs would'

Could anyone help me understand the difference?

I learned from a English grammar book that

when you are not really sure, you can say "I will be seeing you" instead of "I will see you" Generally speaking, that's true.

and another book says that "I would see you" instead of "I will see you" This sounds a bit odd.

So, my question is that which is which?

Let me just comment on these specific examples.

I will see you. This sounds very specific, a statement of fact. eg I will see you at 8pm on Thursday or If you knock on my dooor and I open it, I will see you.

I will be seeing you. This refers to a future activity that has duration. eg from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, I will be seeing my doctor. The duration can also be unspecified, eg At 8pm, I will be seeing my doctor. In the case of this specific sentemnce, it's commonly said to mean that I will see you at some unspecified time during "the duration of the future".

I would see you. This refers to a more hypothetical or conditional situation. eg If you jumped out from under my bed, I would see you immediately or If you asked me for an appointment, I would see you quickly.

I know all aboves are gramatically correct, but what is the difference?

Please post again if you need more explanation of this topic.

Best wishes, Clive

will be ~ing vs would + V ?

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