Would

Question

Example 1Alex: Who do you think can help me with painting a house?Jack: Dan would be able to help you with it. Ask him. Example 2Alex: Who do you think can help me with painting a house?Jack: Dan would be able to help you with it but he is now here. (Out of the country)Are both examples correct? Is would in example 1 would of probability and is would in sentence B hypothetical?

Persian Learner · Accepted Answer

EverestCTSAlex: Who do you think can help me with painting a house?

More natural:

Alex: Who do you think can help me paint a house?

Jack: Dan would be able to help you. (Just) ask him.

EverestCTSAlex: Who do you think can help me with painting a house?Jack:

Dan would be able to help you ~~with it~~ but he is out of the country. ~~now here~~. (Out of the country)

EverestCTSAre both examples correct?

Yes.

EverestCTSIs would in example 1 would of probability and is would in sentence B hypothetical?

Both of them can express probability. You can't assume Dan will help you when he gets back. He is capable, he's got the talent, but he may not help you.

Dan will be able to help you when he gets back. ~ Dan can help you when he gets back.

Dan will help you when he gets back. ~ Dan will most assuredly help you.

Dan would be able to help you when he gets back. ~ Dan may (be able to) help you when he gets back.

Dan would help you when he gets back. ~ Dan may help you when he gets back.

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It could also be hypothetical:

Unfortunately, Dan is out of the country; I just talked to him and he said he would certainly help you if he was here.

Would

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