Conditional II question

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #131 [color=blue]“The Business Plan”, question 10

If you forecast conservatively, you will be more likely to maintain an extra of cash.

(a) pillow
(b) comforter
(c) pillar
(d) cushion

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #131 [color=blue]“The Business Plan”, answer 10

If you forecast conservatively, you will be more likely to maintain an extra cushion of cash.

Correct answer: (d) cushion

Your answer was: [color=green]correct
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Puzzled. Not really understand how the phrase is build up:
if …, (then) you will be + infinitive
Do not get it why use be here?
Is this some kind of cliche?

Hello again Gheon!

There is no difference in meaning between
“You will be more likely to maintain an extra cushion of cash”
and
“You will more likely maintain an extra cushion of cash” (Although it is usual to add a ‘than’ - "You will more than likely maintain an extra cushion of cash.)

This is because both “will” and “be going to” can express the idea of a general prediction about the future, as in this example where the amount of cash available in the future is predicted.
In “prediction” sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore the usual rule you state does not apply.

In the following examples, there is no difference in meaning.

Examples:

2012 will be a very interesting year.
2012 is going to be a very interesting year.

Gheon will be the next big star.
Gheon is going to be the next big star.

ESL-Forums will win several Awards.
ESL- Forums is going to win several Awards.

Hello Everyone,

What does " cushion of cash" mean?

Kind regards,

Mickhael

Hello,

oxfordlearnersdictionaries.c … /cushion_1
something that protects you against something unpleasant that might happen
His savings were a comfortable cushion against financial problems.

merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushion
b. a reserve supply (as of money)