Would/will

Question

I'm sure I would when the time came. OrI'm sure I will when the time comes. OrWhat's the difference between these three usages? Are all usable and is there a difference between them?Thanks!But this time there's no if clause. Also he says, he's sure but continued on with would....Doesn't would usually mean that there's possibility rather than probably as what he meant by saying he's sure?e.g: I'm sure I would when the time came.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

PreciousJonesDoesn't would usually mean that there's possibility rather than probably as what he meant by saying he's sure?

No. If you think there's a conflict between "sure" and "would", you may have to rethink this, though I see your point. It's a tricky situation to be sure about something hypothetical.

PreciousJonesI'm sure I would when the time came. Or

I'm sure I will when the time comes. Or

What's the difference between these three usages?

Three? I'll assume you mean 'two'.

In general, will is immediate; would is remote. Or, if you like obscure metaphors, will is here in this world; would is there in some imagined world.

I will (do something) when the time comes. The speaker talks as if he is really facing the situation in which "the time will come". He classifies it as an immediate possibility.

I would (do something) when the time came. The speaker talks as if he is not really facing the situation in which "the time will come". He is only considering that situation as an imagined possibility. It may not ever happen to him personally. He classifies it as a remote possibility.

In both cases, by starting with I'm sure, he notes that he is certain about the connection between the condition and the action he will or would take on the basis of that condition.

CJ

Would/will

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