that will/would be

[ademoglu]

Hi.

Let's say that the teacher has given the class a very difficult job to do and one of the top students in my class tells me that we can do it together. And I say:

That will be awesome.
That would be awesome.

Could you please tell me if both are OK? If yes, is there any difference in meaning?

 

[teechar]

Could you please tell me if both are OK?

Yes, they are.

If yes, is there any difference in meaning?

The version with "will" implies more certainty; the one with "would" is less certain (more tentative).

 

[emsr2d2]

I agree, in general, with teechar but you will hear native speakers use "would" instead of "will" in such contexts, with no intended difference in meaning.

Bob: Are you still coming to mine for dinner tonight?
Jim: Yes.
Bob: Great. I'm doing a veggie chilli.
Jim: That sounds delicious. Shall I bring guacamole and tortilla chips to go with it?
Bob: That would be great. Thanks!

Bob's final sentence isn't tentative at all.

 

[jutfrank]

Bob's final sentence isn't tentative at all.

I don't agree. I think there is a difference in meaning, but the effect is so slight as to be practically indiscriminable.

 

[Tdol]

I think it's socially polite tentative language rather than the language of possibility.