Would be/will be

Question

The last thing that I want to say would be/will be .... (to indicate something that I want to say at the present time)Which is correct?Thanks.Isabelle

Bubokribuck · Accepted Answer

I think "the last thing that I want to say is ..." is better.

But out of the two, I would've used "would", "will" just somehow sounds too strong.

Emanuel Guerra · Answer

Hello,

Let's pretend you are having a presentation or a meeting, if you say "The last thing that I wanted to say would be.." refers to a comment or still something that is part of that meeting/presentation. (Even though I used wanted it still is in reference to the future_ as you are about to say it) You are open to discussion.

If you use "The last thing I want to say will be...." This means you are (most likely) putting an end to that part of the meeting/presentation and 'maybe' you don't want to hear any replies to that comment: The last thing I want to say will be for you not to forget that we'll have to come to an end by 12:30pm.

This would/will can also be taken as formallity so would would be the polite form of will. In this case, if you are still on that meeting, then you'll have to remember who you are addressing.

Hope it helps.

_Manu

ILE · Answer

Thanks bubokribuck.

@Emanuel Guerra, thank you so much as your answer provided me a very clear-cut view about the distinction between the usage of "the last thing that I want/wanted to say would be/will be .. ". Thanks again.

Would be/will be

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