Would

Persian Learner

EverestCTSAre you saying when Dan said “that would be awesome.”, would is used hypothetically(conditional) in order to show politeness?

Yes.

Good afternoon Persian Learner,

I would like to clarify my understanding with the examples below.

1.

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

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

In example 1, “would” is probability not conditional with the meaning Dan is likely to be able to help you, right? What if Dan’s response was as follows?

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

Jack: Dan would help you. Ask him.

It is still would of probability not conditional with the meaning Dan is likely to help you, right?

Example 2

Katniss Everdeen: President Snow. What an honor.
President Snow: My dear, I think we can make this so much simpler. If we agree not to lie to each other, what do you think?
Katniss Everdeen: Yes, I think that would save time.

“Would” in Katniss Everdeen’s sentence is would of probability with the meaning not lying to each other will/is likely to save time. Katniss is not 100% certain that it will save time. If she was 100% certain, she would just say, “it will save time”. That means, “it would save time.” is basically less certain form of “it will save time.” Am I correct? The reason it’s not a second conditional would is because the sentence is not hypothetical in President Snow’s sentence, right?