would

Pluralwoulds

1. 1
   a hypotheticalverbauxiliary

   Used to talk about something that could happen if things were different, as in 'it would be nice'.

   Think of it like a promise that only counts if the 'if' comes true.

   If I had more time, I would learn to paint.

   She would help if you asked her.

   UsageSay if I had time, I would go (not incorrect: if I would have time).

   Note
2. 2
   future in pastverbauxiliary

   Used for something that was still to come at a time in the past.

   That summer, I didn't know I would never see my grandpa again.

   He said he would call later.

   UsageI will call becomes he said he would call.

   Note
3. 3
   soften a statementverbauxiliary

   Used to make what you say, or your advice, sound softer and more polite.

   I would recommend booking the tickets early.

   I would guess the shop closes at six.

   UsageOften shortened to I'd with verbs like say and think: I'd say, I'd think.

   Note
4. 4
   polite questionverbauxiliary

   Used in a question to ask someone politely to do something.

   Would you help me look for my glasses, please?

   Would you mind closing the window?

   UsageSay would you mind closing it (not incorrect: would you mind to close).

5. 5
   past habitverbauxiliary

   Used for things that happened again and again in the past.

   Every Saturday we would walk to the bakery for warm bread.

   My grandfather would tell the same story at every dinner.

   UsageFor states, say used to: I used to live there.

   Note
6. 6
   true to formverbauxiliary

   Used for what someone can be expected to do, given who they are.

   He would say that, wouldn't he?

   Of course she would be late. She always is.

   Note
7. 7
   verbauxiliary

   Used for something you believe is true, but have not checked.

   She always checks twice, so she would have turned off the oven.

   They would be home by now.

   UsageOften used in that would be + a person or thing.

   Note
8. 8
   verbauxiliary

   Was willing to. In 'would not' it means someone refused, or something did not work.

   The little boy would not eat his vegetables.

   The door would not open, no matter how hard I pushed.

   Note

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