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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Would

They said to tell you that they were really sorry and that they would/will call you tomorrow.

Are both okay to use here? The TV said they will. But isn't would used to describe a future happening as well?

Thank you!
  

Top answer

They said to tell you that they were really sorry and that they would call you tomorrow. They said to tell you that they are really sorry and that they will call you tomorrow. Both of these are fine.

— Clive

  • They said to tell you that they were really sorry and that they would call you tomorrow.
  • They said to tell you that they are really sorry and that they will call you tomorrow.
  • Both of these are fine.
  • But try to keep a consistent point of view, as shown.
  • Clive
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6 Answers
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They said to tell you that they were really sorry and that they would call you tomorrow.
They said to tell you that they are really sorry and that they will call you tomorrow.

Both of these are fine. But try to keep a consistent point of view, as shown.
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CliveThey said to tell you that they are really sorry and that they will call you tomorrow.
Interesting, because I was watching an episode of curb your enthusiasm and the character said:

They said to tell you that they were really sorry and that they will call you tomorrow.
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This is just another case of backshifting vs. not backshifting. How many more times do you intend to keep asking the same questions before you move on to new topics?
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Why do you insist on picking on me? Can you just leave me alone and not bother me about my questions? Maybe this is just the way I learn by typing out different grammar usages in a variety of sentences. Is there a target on my back or something? Am I bothering you because I take the time to type out sentences after sentences because it's how I learn. Is this a democratic forum where we can a
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PreciousJonesAre both okay to use here?
Yes. In this case, it's the word 'tomorrow' that allows for 'will'.

They said they would call the next day is completely in the past. It could have been said at any time in the past.
They said they will call you tomorrow is not. It has to be said the day before the call is actu
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PreciousJonesWhy do you insist on picking on me?
It is not my intention to "pick on" anyone. I am just baffled that after all this time you are still focused on this subject. It seems to me that you don’t even try to learn from any of the advice that is given to you, and I can’t help feeling that our efforts are wasted.

A quick search came up with the
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