How is the usage of will different from would?

Question

I read one answer which stated that will is generally used in future tense while would is its past tense. But consider the line
"The class that would perform the best in the event, would be given the prize." Here would is used for future tense. Are there any concrete guidelines about usage of will compared to that of would?

Answer 1

Will is used when the action is certain to happen, as in I will answer this question. Would is used when there is a possibility of something happening, as in I would answer this question if I had the time. Simpler uses are: I will. I would, if I could. Both words suggest a future event or action. The past tense adds have to would, as in I would have, or would've.

Answer 2

I think "would" is used for an anticipation whilst "will" is used for a determined task.

Your sentence: "The class that would perform the best in the event, would be given the prize" and "I would have made it yesterday" is an anticipation equal to "if", whether expressing the past or future.

"I will win", "I will come" and "I will sleep" are expression of determination, as in "It is my will"