would or will

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Hi can anyone explain the use of will, would? can could? may, might? these seems to be used in present and past forms, i cant differentiate why, and how

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Anonymous Hi can anyone explain the use of will, would? can could? may, might? these seems to be used in present and past forms, i cant differentiate why, and how

Providing specific sentences would help.

will, can, and may are used in sentences with a present point of view.
("present point of view" includes future time.)
would, could, and might are used in sentences with a past point of view.
However, the latter can be borrowed into sentences with a present point of view, and often are, whereas the reverse borrowing is not seen. Thus, those with a present point of view are not usually used in reported speech.

I [may / might] join the Smiths on their trip to Elmville. [may is more formal than might.]

We [can / could] wait until tomorrow to do this. [could makes a more tentative suggestion than can.]

I know that he [may / might] go to China next year. [Either is possible.]

I knew that he might go to China some day. [may is not a credible choice.]

CJ

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