Common Error - Will

will

modal verb

1

BAD: When capital punishment was abolished, people thought that murders will become more numerous.

GOOD: When capital punishment was abolished, people thought that murders would become more numerous.

◆◆◆

A reporting verb in the past tense (e.g. 'thought') is usually followed by would/could  (NOT will/can ). Compare: 'I think she will accept any job that comes along.' 'I thought she would accept any job that came along.'

2

BAD: If a developing country will become a developed country, it has to attract foreign investors.

GOOD: If a developing country is to become a developed country, it has to attract foreign investors.

◆◆◆

When you are talking about what must happen in order to make something possible, use if ... am/is/are to do sth (NOT will ): 'If we are to get there by six o'clock, we'll have to get a taxi.'