Use The Correct Tense With Will And Would

Skill

Use The Correct Tense With Will And Would

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Certain combinations of verbs are very common in English. One is the combination of the simple present and will.

I know that they will arrive soon. It is certain that he will graduate.

Another combination that is quite common is the combination of the simple past and would.

I knew that he would arrive. It was certain that he would graduate.

It is important to stress that in the combination discussed here, the present should be used with will and the past should be used with would; they generally should not be mixed. The common errors that must generally be avoided are the combination of the past with will and the combination of the present with would.

I knew that he will arrive soon. It was certain that he will graduate.

In the first example, the present, know, is illogical with would. It can be corrected in two different ways.

I knew that he would arrive soon. I know that he will arrive soon.

In the second example, the past, was, is illogical with will. It can also be corrected in two different ways.

It was certain that he would graduate. It is certain that he will graduate.

The following chart outlines the use of tenses with will and would:

USING CORRECT TENSES WITH WILL AND WOULD

  • VERB
    • will
    • would
  • MEANING
    • after the present
    • after the past
  • USE
    • do not use with past
    • do not use with present

NOTE: There is a different modal would that is used to make polite requests. This type of would is often used with the present tense.

I would like to know if you have a pencil that I could borrow.

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

Each of the following sentences contains will or would. Underline the verbs twice and decide if the meanings are logical. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. ___ He knew that he will be able to pass the exam.
  2. ___ I think that I will leave tomorrow.
  3. ___ Paul did not say when he will finish the project.
  4. ___ Jake doubts that he would have time to finish the project.
  5. ___ I know that I will go if I can afford it.
  6. ___ The police officer indicated that he would write a ticket if he has the time.
  7. ___ Students will often study in the library before they go to classes or before they go home.
  8. ___ He told me that he thought he will get the job in spite of his lack of education.
  9. ___ The executive vice president emphasizes at the conferences that the board would not change its position.
  10. ___ Students will register for classes according to who has the highest number of units.

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