would

would [ wud ] modal verb ***

Would is usually followed by an infinitive without to :

A picnic would be nice. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive:

They didn't do as much as they said they would.

In conversation and informal writing, would is often shortened to 'd:

I thought you'd like a drink before dinner.

Would does not change its form, so the third person singular form does not end in -s :

As a child, she would often run away from home.

Questions and negatives are formed without do :

Would you like a cup of coffee?

He would not tell us his secret.

The negative form would not is often shortened in conversation or informal writing to wouldn't:

I wouldn't want to have your job.

Would is often used in tag questions:

You wouldn't lie to me, would you?

Would has no tenses, no participles, and no infinitive form.

There is no past tense, but would have followed by a past participle can be used for talking about actions that did not happen:

She would have bought the house if she had been able to afford it (=she did not buy it).

In some cases would can be used as the past tense of will, for example, in indirect speech introduced by a verb in the past tense:

I promised that I would visit her the next day.

1. ) used for talking about what was going to happen in the past

a ) used for showing what someone expected, intended, promised, etc. when they were thinking or talking about the future:

James said he would never forgive her.

Most analysts expected that there would be a change in policy.

Our plan isn't going to work. I never thought it would.

b ) used for talking about something that was going to happen after a particular point in the past:

Here she met the man who would one day become her husband.

2. ) used for talking about results of an unlikely situation used for talking about the possible results of a situation that is unlikely to happen or that did not happen:

I'd travel first class if I could afford it.

What would happen if there was an earthquake?

would have done something: If I'd known you were coming, I would have gotten your room ready.

3. ) used for giving opinions about possible situations used for saying or asking what someone thinks about a possible situation:

You wouldn't recognize the place now it's changed so much.

It would be fun to have a beach party.

It's no use talking to Henry he wouldn't understand.

Why would anyone want to kill Jerry?

Where would he have hidden the keys?

I could lend you some would fifty dollars be enough?

4. ) used for talking about past habits used for saying what someone used to do in the past:

The Campbells would sometimes invite us over for the weekend.

On winter evenings we'd all sit around the fire.

5. ) used for criticizing someone's behavior SPOKEN used when criticizing someone by saying that a particular action is typical of someone:

Sylvia said it was your fault. Well, Sylvia would say that, wouldn't she?

6. ) used in requests SPOKEN used for politely asking someone to do something or to let you do something:

Would someone please help me move the piano?

would it be all right/okay if...: Would it be all right if I used your phone?

would you mind doing something: Would you mind waiting outside?

7. ) used for offering something SPOKEN used when making a polite offer or invitation:

Would you like a cup of coffee or something?

Would anyone care for a game of tennis?

8. ) to be willing

a ) used when you think someone is willing to do something:

Bruce would lend you the money, I'm sure.

b ) always in negatives used for saying that someone refused to do something on a particular occasion:

I asked her to help me, but she wouldn't.

c ) used for saying that someone was always willing to do something at a time in the past:

During the war people would gladly do extra duties.

9. ) used for saying what someone wants SPOKEN

a ) used for politely saying what someone wants to do or wishes they could do:

would like/love/prefer etc. to do something: I think David would like to see you alone.

Come and spend Christmas with us. I'd love to, but I can't.

b ) I wish someone/something would do something used for saying that you want something to happen or you want a situation to change:

I wish it would stop raining.

10. ) used for offering advice or suggestions SPOKEN used for advising someone to do something or suggesting that they do it:

I'd be careful if I were you.

It would be wise to discuss this with your bank manager.

I would think/imagine/hope etc. SPOKEN

used for saying that you think or hope something is true, although you are not certain:

I would imagine she's at work.

I'd have thought they'd be grateful for your help.

something would not work/start/open etc.

used for saying that you could not make something do what it was meant to although you tried:

I turned the switch, but the motor wouldn't start.

would that LITERARY

used for saying that you wish something were true, especially when you know that it is impossible:

Would that all questions were so easy to answer!