Timeline for Use of "would" to depict uncertain future

Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0

7 events

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May 19, 2021 at 14:55	comment	added	Robin Clower		I would say "would" implies more uncertainty than "will". Since the trial has been authorized and is now seeking participants, I would say "will", but since you still want the uncertainty of not knowing if they'll get 50 participants, I would say "Authorized in Jan 2021, the trial will seek to enroll 50 participants." That's totally unambiguous.
May 19, 2021 at 13:58	comment	added	Xellosprime		Just want to clarify if "would" can be used to specify uncertain events in the future in the setting of technical writing. It might be potentially ambiguous to a non-native speaker, as it could be construed as reporting a definite, and now unchangeable, future-in-the-past event.
May 19, 2021 at 13:57	comment	added	Xellosprime		Suppose, I mention that the trial was initiated in January 2021 and is currently in recruiting phase. In that case, would "the trial would enroll 50 participants" mean that the trail is ongoing but uncertain if 50 participants will be enrolled?
May 19, 2021 at 13:28	comment	added	Robin Clower		Both of those statements are correct, although I wouldn't say the first one is necessarily doubtful more that it's just not a certainty to happen. "Doubtful" implies it's unlikely. Depending on the context though, it might be almost certain but not fully authorized. "would" should work in both cases.
May 19, 2021 at 4:13	comment	added	Xellosprime		Also, using the qualifier "authorized" seem to establish that if the trial gets a get-go, it will enroll 50 participants.
May 19, 2021 at 3:49	comment	added	Xellosprime		So "trial would enroll 50 participants" means that the trial is doubtful to take place, but if it does, it'll enroll 50 participants, right?
May 18, 2021 at 20:50	history	answered	Robin Clower	CC BY-SA 4.0