#2 (permalink) Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:56 pm usage of would |
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Hi KLPNO
To me the word 'would' suggests the sort of conditional found in "type 2" IF sentences. It refers to something that is or appears to be counter-factual:
"... one would expect that NGOs would be selected for these committees by open competition (but apparently we can't and they aren't)."
"... one would (otherwise) expect that NGOs would (otherwise) be selected for these committees by open competition."
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| 1. Can "will" be used after NGOs, i.e. "one would expect that NGOs will be selected"? |
No, I wouldn't. If you did, then the sentence would suggest that 'will be selected' refers only to the future. As the sentence currently stands, the reference to time is quite general (past, present, future).
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| 2. And is it correct to say "... since one will expect that NGOs will be selected..."? |
I wouldn't. (See above)
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| 3. And does "would" in "since one would expect" expresses possibility, i.e. one probably will expect? |
It expresses the expected result of a particular condition being met. In this case, I might express the condition as being "If things were different/normal". . _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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