will/would

[Tan Elaine]

I hope I will be able to meet my favourite tennis players. That would make my day.

1. Why is there 'will' in the first sentence, while in the second 'would' is used? Will it be wrong if 'would' is used in each of the sentences?

2. Can 'would' in the second sentence be replaced by 'will'?

Thanks in advance.

 

[corum]

I hope I will be able to meet my favourite tennis players. That would make my day.

1. Why is there 'will' in the first sentence, while in the second 'would' is used? Will it be wrong if 'would' is used in each of the sentences?

2. Can 'would' in the second sentence be replaced by 'will'?

Thanks in advance.

Interesting question. When you hope for something to happen, you have a desire for an imaginary situation to be fulfilled. We usually resort to backshift in tense in such situations.

Would/[STRIKE]Will[/STRIKE] you like if he came along?
If I could/[STRIKE]can[/STRIKE] meet him, that would/[STRIKE]will[/STRIKE] make my day.
but
I hope you will/[STRIKE]would[/STRIKE] come along.
or
I hope you come along.