Difference between would and will?

Share on Facebook

Anonymous

#233819 Thu, 08 Jun 06 10:30 AM

Hi,

I am new at this community but it looks very great. I am studying Economiecs in Vienna but I have big problems with the grammar at exam. I failed already 3 times.

What is the difference between Would have doubled or will have doubled?

Example (taken from an exam):

Indeed,, last year Solvedt told one interviewer that Denpack's turnover would have doubled within a five-year period from the time of their discussion.

Why can't I say "will have doubled"?

Is the reason because the sentence is in past?

Thank you for any reply.

Anonymous

Grammar, Difference Between

Ruslana

#233834 Thu, 08 Jun 06 11:09 AM

Anonymous wrote:
Indeed,, last year Solvedt told one interviewer that Denpack's turnover would have doubled within a five-year period from the time of their discussion.
Why can't I say "will have doubled"?

Is the reason because the sentence is in past?

The reason is that the main clause verb ("told") is in the past. It is sequence of tenses.

Ruslana

Joined on Sat, Dec 17 2005

Russia

Senior Member (3,197)

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace", - Jimi Hendrix

Verbs, Difference Between, Tenses, Clauses

Marius Hancu

#233836 Thu, 08 Jun 06 11:22 AM

IMO, this is indirect/reported speech (said) and conditionals (would)

In direct speech, Solvedt says at the time of the interview:
"I think that Denpack turnover would double within five years from today. "
(I don't think he's certain about it)

In reported speech in the past:
Last year Solvedt told one interviewer that Denpack's turnover would have doubled within a five-year period from the time of their discussion.

-------------
After past reporting verbs, conditional sentences referring to "unreal" situations are often reported with past conditionals.

Direct: If I had any money I'd buy you a drink.
Indirect: She said if she had had any money she would have bought me a drink. ( or She said if she had any money she would buy ...)

Swan, Practical English Usage, p. 482
--------------