You’ve likely encountered the word “would” and possibly wondered about its varied uses. Although “would” is a modal verb, it serves multiple functions in English sentences, making it a versatile tool for expressing ideas. In this article, we’ll dive into the different ways “would” can be used, accompanied by easy-to-understand examples and essential rules.
Conditional Sentences
In conditional sentences, “would” is often used to describe a situation that is dependent on another condition.
Example: If it rained, we would stay at home.
Rule: In the second conditional, “would” is used in the main clause when the condition (in the if-clause) is unreal or unlikely.
In conditional sentences, “would” can be a helpful tool for expressing hypothetical or unlikely situations. These are often situations that are dependent on a condition being met, even if that condition is unrealistic.
Additional Examples
Example: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.
Rule: “Would” is used to express a hypothetical situation that is dependent on the unlikely event of winning the lottery.
Example: If she knew the answer, she would tell you.
Rule: Here, “would” is used to imply that the condition (her knowing the answer) is uncertain or unreal at the moment.
Example: If you studied more, you would get better grades.
Rule: “Would” serves to indicate the possible result (getting better grades) if the condition (studying more) were met.
Example: If it were sunny, we would go to the beach.
Rule: This example employs “would” to indicate a hypothetical outing dependent on the weather being sunny, which it is not.
Expressing the Future in the Past
“Would” can also describe a future action from the perspective of the past.
Example: He said he would call me.
Rule: Use “would” when discussing an action that was to happen in the future, but you’re talking about it from a past point of view.
This function of “would” allows you to talk about a future event but frame it as if you are looking at it from a past standpoint.
Additional Examples
Example: She told me she would visit next week.
Rule: This statement uses “would” to describe a future visit that was spoken about in the past.
Example: They said they would help us move.
Rule: Here, “would” indicates a future action (helping us move) that was promised or planned in the past.
Example: I knew it would rain today.
Rule: This sentence uses “would” to express a future event (it is raining today) that was predicted or known about in the past.
Example: He promised he would finish the project on time.
Rule: In this case, “would” is used to discuss a future action (finishing the project on time) as it was stated in the past.
Polite Requests and Offers
One of the most common uses of “would” is to make polite requests or offers.
Example: Would you pass the salt, please?
Rule: Use “would” when you want to make a request more polite. This softens the tone of the request.
When you want to be polite, respectful, or formal, “would” is a helpful tool to soften your language and make your requests or offers sound more considerate. You can learn about formal vs informal language here.
Additional Examples
Example: Would you mind opening the window?
Rule: The use of “would” here turns a basic request into a polite inquiry.
Example: Would you like some coffee?
Rule: Offering coffee becomes more polite and less direct when framed with “would.”
Example: I would appreciate it if you could send me the details.
Rule: Using “would” in this way elevates a simple request to a more respectful tone.
Example: Would you be able to assist me with this project?
Rule: Adding “would” turns a straightforward request for help into a polite question.
Habitual Actions in the Past
“Would” can describe actions that were a habit in the past but are no longer true.
Example: When I was a child, I would play in the park for hours.
Rule: Use “would” when describing habits or regular activities that happened in the past but do not happen now.
The word “would” allows you to express actions or habits that were frequent in the past but have since changed or ended.
Additional Examples
Example: When we were students, we would study together every weekend.
Rule: This sentence uses “would” to describe a past habitual action (studying together) that no longer takes place.
Example: She would bake cookies for us every Sunday.
Rule: The use of “would” highlights that baking cookies was a past routine, suggesting that it doesn’t happen anymore.
Example: They would go camping every summer as kids.
Rule: Here, “would” helps communicate that the action of going camping every summer was a past habit.
Example: My dad would read me bedtime stories when I was young.
Rule: Using “would” in this context makes it clear that this was a past action limited to the speaker’s childhood.
Preferences
“Would” is used to indicate preferences, usually in questions or affirmative/negative sentences.
Example: I would rather read a book than watch TV.
Rule: Use “would rather” to express a preference for one action over another.
The word “would” is often used to articulate choices or preferences in both questions and affirmative/negative sentences. The phrase “would rather” is especially common in expressing a preference for one thing over another.
Additional Examples
Example: Would you prefer tea or coffee?
Rule: Here, “would” is used in a question to politely ask about someone’s preference between tea and coffee.
Example: She would rather go to a museum than a movie.
Rule: The use of “would rather” makes it clear that going to a museum is preferred over going to a movie.
Example: I would prefer to work from home today.
Rule: In this sentence, “would prefer” is used to state a specific preference for working from home on this particular day.
Example: They would rather have a quiet night in than go out.
Rule: The phrase “would rather” indicates a preference for a quiet night in over going out.
Note: We often say “wish (someone) would/wouldn’t (do something).” That is explained here:
Additional Tips
“Would” is always followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., “He would go”).
“Would” does not change its form regardless of the subject. For example, we say both “I would” and “he would.”
In summary, understanding the modal verb “would” can significantly enhance your proficiency in English. It plays various roles, such as creating conditional sentences, making polite requests, describing future actions in the past, and more.
Remember, the key to mastering the use of “would” is practice and context. Try using it in different sentences to become more comfortable and fluent in its application. With this guide at your side, you will be well on your way to mastering this versatile modal verb!
David S. Wills
David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.