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Will for present time and would for past time may refer to the possesion of an inherent quality or a capacity in relation to things ( as opposed to people): 1 The pournd in your pocket will buy far less today than it would ten years ago. Such sentences are half statement of fact and half prediction, and they often suggest that the fact or prediction can be put to the test and verified. The use od will and would may even suggest that an object is capable of co-operation or willingness ( or their absence): 2 This suitcase will hold everything. 3 The car wouldn't start. (Compare: The car refused to start.) Used in this latter sense, will or would may appera in the'if' clause of a donditional sentence: 4 If one suitcase will hold everything, we can cut down on our luggage. |