Hopes ... would

[Xinfu]

-Detectives are hoping that witnesses will come forward.

Can I use WOULD for WILL?

[Rusty]

'Will' is properly paired with the present tense in the main clause.

'Would' is paired with the past tense.

Detectives were hoping that witnesses would come forward.

[Xinfu]

'Will' is properly paired with the present tense in the main clause.

'Would' is paired with the past tense.

Detectives were hoping that witnesses would come forward.
Still referring to the present and not willing to use WISH, can I use WOULD to show more uncertainty?

[Rusty]

No, no more uncertainty can be attained by switching to 'would'. It isn't proper to use 'would' here. You'll hear it used, but it isn't prescriptive.

[Xinfu]

Thank you, Rusty.