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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
will vs would question
I've checked several websites and this explanation of will vs would is the best I've seen. Thank you. I do have a specific question.
Which is preferred:
If passed, Measure G would provide blah blah blah
or
If passed, Measure G will provide blah blah blah
I think I understand that the word 'would' is best if the situation is conditional and 'will' if the condition is a promise. The words 'if passed' says there is nothing conditional about the ideas that follow in that sentence, and I prefer to use 'will' in this case, however, a professor friend says 'would' is correct.
Thoughts?
Which is preferred:
If passed, Measure G would provide blah blah blah
or
If passed, Measure G will provide blah blah blah
I think I understand that the word 'would' is best if the situation is conditional and 'will' if the condition is a promise. The words 'if passed' says there is nothing conditional about the ideas that follow in that sentence, and I prefer to use 'will' in this case, however, a professor friend says 'would' is correct.
Thoughts?
Top answer
Anonymous The words 'if passed' sa y t here is nothing conditional about the ideas that follow in that sentence How so? In any case, they both work; "will" is more definite, and "would" is more tentative.
- Anonymous The words 'if passed' sa y t here is nothing conditional about the ideas that follow in that sentence How so?
- In any case, they both work; "will" is more definite, and "would" is more tentative.
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3 Answers
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AnonymousThe words 'if passed' say there is nothing conditional about the ideas that follow in that sentenceHow so?
In any case, they both work; "will" is more definite, and "would" is more tentative.
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If passed represents, depending on context, If it is passed or If it were/was passed.
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Anonymous'if passed'That is a conditional if-clause, in a reduced form.
In politics, not much is certain, due to unintended consequences. Most pundits, reporters and politicians use "would" to cover their bets. That is, unless they are trying to get elected or making speeches with overblown promises. Then "will" applies.
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