Hopes ... would

Xinfu · #1 July 19, 2013, 09:28 PM

-Detectives are hoping that witnesses will come forward.

Can I use WOULD for WILL?

**Rusty** · #2 July 19, 2013, 10:38 PM

'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 · #3 July 21, 2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Still referring to the present and not willing to use WISH, can I use WOULD to show more uncertainty?

**Rusty** · #4 July 21, 2013, 12:02 PM

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 · #5 July 21, 2013, 07:01 PM

Thank you, Rusty.

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Hopes ... would

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