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Alexander
Is it correct that in “I wouldn't be sure that it was profitable in 5 years” we don't need the second “would” when talking about the future relative to “be sure”?
2026년 8월 2일 오전 4:40
답변 · 12
2
Yes, that's correct.
After expressions such as "I wouldn't be sure", "I don't think", or "I doubt", we often use the past tense to refer to a future situation from the speaker's point of view.
So:
"I wouldn't be sure that it was profitable in five years."
is perfectly natural.
You could also say:
"I wouldn't be sure that it would be profitable in five years."
if you want to emphasise the future outcome itself, but the second "would" is optional rather than required.
In other words, the first version is completely grammatical and is probably the more natural choice in everyday English.
2026년 8월 2일 오후 5:04
1
I agree with Gareth Todd.
2026년 8월 2일 오후 5:33
1
Your phrase is okay but native speakers might say "I'm not sure that it will be profitable in 5 years."
That's right, no 2nd would needed.
2026년 8월 2일 오전 8:19
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