Will Vs Would

[shree.neve]

Source: aristotle prep SC

The proposed simplification of the tax code would repeal or modify a number of
popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so
that income tax rates could be reduced across the board.
A. would repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced
B. will repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates can be reduced
C. will repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, which includes the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced
D. would repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so as to reduce income tax rates
E. would repeal and modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could
be reduced

Correct answer is B

The following is a question from MGMAT CAT

State lawmakers are considering a law allowing children of divorced parents as young as seven to choose the parent with whom they will live, which will likely dissuade those parents from disciplining or punishing their children.

Correct answer:
that would allow children as young as seven whose parents are divorced to choose the parent with whom they will live, a policy that would likely dissuade those parents


Can you please explain the difference b/w will and would in the given 2 questions?

Thanks!

[tim]

our CAT is correct. the question you have posted from the other guys is ridiculous: there is nothing wrong with A, and i would in fact claim it is a better answer than B. please stick to trusted sources for practice questions, or you will only get confused and frustrated.. :)

[techyrajeev]

Tim,

Could you please explain why Option A is better than Option B?

[tim]

the only difference i see between A and B is "would" versus "will" and "could" versus "can". since we are talking about a proposal, which hasn't materialized yet, it is preferable to use the subjunctive, hence "would" and "could" in this case..

(edited on 8/31/12 to change "can" to "could" at the end; sorry for the typo earlier)

[vikram4689]

the only difference i see between A and B is "would" versus "will" and "could" versus "can". since we are talking about a proposal, which hasn't materialized yet, it is preferable to use the subjunctive, hence "would" and "can" in this case..

But, even in MGMAT question, law is not materialized yet then how can use of "would" is fine there. can you please explain

[tim]

what's to explain? i already mentioned that we should use "would" for a law that is just hypothetical; this is entirely consistent with the MGMAT problem above..

[sachin.w]

What is wrong with D tim. .
Is the presence of 'so as to' an issue?

[tim]

don't worry about it. as i mentioned before, this question is ridiculous and you should not be studying it at all. please understand that using practice questions from dubious sources can actually hurt your performance, and be careful which problem sources you use..