Odd use of 'will'

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
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Business Idiom in English, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #422 [color=blue]“Retail Sales Phrases”, question 8

Customer: “Excuse me. When will you close today?” Sales clerk: “We’ll close … 10 o’clock.”

(a) for
(b) to
(c) at
(d) on

Business Idiom in English, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #422 [color=blue]“Retail Sales Phrases”, answer 8

Customer: “Excuse me. When will you close today?” Sales clerk: “We’ll close at 10 o’clock.”

Correct answer: (c) at
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

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The use of ‘will’ is rather odd in this conversation. The simple present tense would be far more typical:

Customer: “Excuse me. When do you close today?”
Sales clerk: “We close at 10 o’clock.”
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2

true…but with “will” in the original question I think it might be more natural to respond with it in the answer.

However I agree with you, but I think the question needs to change too. I think “when do you close?” is a more natural way to ask the question and will give the response you suggested.

3

oops just noticed you changed the question to that already. ignore me please! :slight_smile:

4

Did you not notice that my suggested change had the simple present in both the question and the response, Ben? :?
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5

too late I did yes. apologies.

6

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I’m happy that you agree, Ben. :smiley:
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