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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Would/will

Would I be able to get a patent for my idea? Or

Will I be able to get a patent for my idea?

Are both useable? Does using would make it less certain, because it sounds wrong.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

In a conditional sentence, 'would' tends to indicate less certainty than 'will'. Context is the best decision maker.

— Philip

  • In a conditional sentence, 'would' tends to indicate less certainty than 'will'.
  • Context is the best decision maker.
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6 Answers
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In a conditional sentence, 'would' tends to indicate less certainty than 'will'. Context is the best decision maker.
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PhilipQuote
Hi Philip,

What about a standalone question like mine?
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If there's no context, the meaning is not determined. Still, I would prefer to think of 'would' as less likely.
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PreciousJonesWould I be able to get a patent for my idea?
You're just theorizing, imagining, wondering. You're not really that serious about applying for a patent. You're just shooting the breeze, coming up with ideas with your friends.

On the other hand, you could be actually applying for a patent and talking to an agent, but just trying to be extr
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This was Exactly My Question Which I Found Here
Thanks
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PreciousJonesWhat about a standalone question like mine?
We often cannot give an absolutely correct answer to a short question. As Philip suggested, context is very important.
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