Final answer:
The conditional tense is used to describe what would happen or what someone would do in possible scenarios, while the subjunctive mood can express hypothetical situations and wishes. Consistent use of verb tenses is crucial in writing, with changes in tense typically serving to indicate changes in the timeline of events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tense used to describe what would happen or what someone would do in possible scenarios is the conditional tense. This tense often combines the would auxiliary with the base form of the verb to express actions that are not guaranteed to occur but are contingent upon certain conditions being met.
Similar to the conditional tense, the subjunctive mood can also be used to express hypothetical situations and wishes. For example, one might say, "If I had more time, I would travel the world," to indicate a hypothetical desire dependent upon the condition of having more time.
Good writing requires a consistent use of verb tenses. When telling a story, an author may choose either the past or present tense but must ensure verb tense consistency throughout the narrative.
It is important to maintain this consistency unless indicating a change in the time frame of events within the story, such as a flashback or a look into the future. Shifting tenses without a clear purpose can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the writing.