LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST SKILL 36: USE THE CORRECT TENSE WITH WILL AND WOULD

LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST

STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

SKILL 36: USE THE CORRECT TENSE WITH WILL AND WOULD

Certain combinations of verbs are very common in English. One is the combination of the simple present and will. Another combination that is quite common is the combination of the simple past and would. The common errors that must generally be avoided are the combination of the past with will and the combination of the present with would.

Correct	Incorrect
I know that they will arrive soon I knew that he would arrive	I know that he would arrive soon it was certain that he will graduate

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

 

EXERCISE 36: 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).

……………	3	Paul did not say when he will finish the project.
……………	4	Jake doubts that he would have time 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.

ANSWER KEY

1	I	(will should be would)
2	C
3	I	(will should be would)
4	I	(would should be will)
5	C
6	I	(has should be had)
7	C
8	I	(will should be would)
9	I	(would should be will)
10	C