Usage of "would"

[supratim7]

In spoken language, the choice of will vs. would is often imbued with more meaning, e.g., of the speaker's expectations.

, a practice that makes non-native speakers such as Supratim struggle :)
But I see your point. Thank you so much.

There's no need to get so detailed here. If you understand the basics of how these tenses are used, you're good to go.

That's a good news. Thank you :)

[RonPurewal]

You're welcome.

[supratim7]

A) But verb before subject (Was he late?, What was he doing?), in general, is reserved for questions, right?

Most such things are probably in questions, but certainly not all of them.
For one, there's the construction already discussed above. For another, there are comparisons involving helping verbs (e.g., I have sold more books than has anyone else in the sales department).

There are probably others, too.

Dear Ron, in this context, pls refer below thread/quote

http://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/those-skeptical-of-the-extent-of-global-warming-argue-that-s-t1938.html

ok, well: if choice a actually has the original wording posted at the beginning of this thread ('will it' instead of 'it will'), then it's definitely wrong. 'will it' is only ok in the context of a question ('will it rain tomorrow?'), and can't be used as a noun phrase.

Why do you say 'will it' instead of 'it will' is definitely wrong? Pls help me understand the distinction.. Thank you

[RonPurewal]

You're citing examples that are in comparisons -- and are limited to such comparisons.
E.g., I eat more meat than does my wife, who prefers vegetables and pasta --> This is a comparison. Comparisons are the only non-question sentences that can legitimately contain "does my wife" like this.

[RonPurewal]

The only other non-question sentences to permit this kind of inversion (well, at least the only ones I can think of right now, anyway) are sentences in which the entire order is turned around.
E.g.,
Two birds sit atop the tree.
Atop the tree sit two birds.

You'll never be tested on the difference between these usages; it's a matter of style annd/or emphasis. Style isn't tested on this exam, and emphasis can't be determined from a single sentence that lacks a larger context. You should just know that both versions are legitimate.

[supratim7]

Okay, I get the difference.. Thank you so much :)

[RonPurewal]

Sure.