I saw a bloger's post where it was written:
It looks like he would be on the East coast, when I am there.
I wonder if it's correct to use would instead of will? If it's correct what is the rule it is then? Explain it please.
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2 Answers
That is a common expression.
It looks like he would X.
X is a future event, which is probable, but not certain.
Much the same meaning could be conveyed by:
It looks like he will X.
The "would" from emphasizes the uncertainty, although "it looks like" expresses uncertainty even with "will"
answered May 9, 2019 at 15:45
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To me, when I am here doesn't look like the future, hence the inconsistency with the first sentence. Admittedly, I might be wrong. May 9, 2019 at 16:14
Both are possible.
'Look like' is used to express possibility. (a situation seems like)
It looks like rain.= It looks as if/as though it is going to rain.
We usually use a clause after 'as if' or 'as though'. After the preposition 'like' we can use a noun or an adjective rather than a clause. But in informal English, especially in American English 'like' can be used instead of 'as if' or 'as though'.
It looks like it is going to rain.
answered Mar 6, 2022 at 8:26
