It doesn't work vs. It won't work

Forums: Grammar, English
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What is the difference between these two sentences:
"The button won't snap."
"The button doesn't snap."

Why would you use present simple in one case and future in another?

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@janedoe2428,

won't = will not
doesn't = does not

Both are present tense.

Quote:

Note: although it is very common among teachers of English to present will as an expression of the
future, it is completely erroneous. It is a modal that expresses, among other things, a probability. Other
modals that share the same characteristic are may, might and would.

http://www.voanews.com/MediaAssets2/classroom/article_media/efl7_teacher.pdf

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@FBM,

Great! Thanks! So why would you choose to use one sentence over the other? Why would you choose "My button won't snap" instead of "My button doesn't snap." What is the difference in meaning?

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@janedoe2428,

I think I would use "won't" to connote a temporary situation, and "doesn't" to imply that it's a more permanent situation. It's probably just a matter of choice or habit, really. Some might not agree with my use. Both are acceptable.

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@FBM,

Thanks, again! Your response seems in line with what I was thinking. But I'm coming back tomorrow night with the context and one more question on this topic or maybe two more. Thanks again!

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@janedoe2428,

You're very welcome!

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@FBM,

Quote:

I think I would use "won't" to connote a temporary situation, and "doesn't" to imply that it's a more permanent situation.

I agree that both are acceptable, but I would look at it just the opposite, for whatever reason, FBM.

To me "does not" is more suggestive of the possibility of being repaired, while "will not" tends to suggest, to me, the likelihood that it's beyond repair.

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It doesn't work vs. It won't work

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