will, would

   "The plan would be phased in over 10 years and will involve extra national insurance contributions" (Times). The problem here is an inconsistency between what grammarians call the protasis (the condition) and the apodosis (the consequence). The sentence has begun in the subjunctive (would) and switched abruptly to the indicative (will). The same error occurs here: "The rector, Chad Varah, has promised that work on the church will start in the New Year and would be completed within about three years" (Evening Standard). In both sentences it should be either willhotii times or would both times.

   This is not simply a matter of grammatical orderliness. It is a question of clarity-of telling the difference between what may happen and what will happen. If you write, "The plan will cost $400 million," you are expressing a certainty. The plan either has been adopted or is certain to be adopted. If you write, "The plan would cost $400 million," the statement is clearly suppositional. It is saying only that if the plan were adopted, it would cost $400 million.

   For additional problems with will, see shall, will.