would

Expressing tentative willingness

Would is a back-to-the-future kind of word.

Besides serving as the past tense of will, would is an auxiliary verb and is invariable in form, without inflections.

Like will, it has many uses to express contemplated actions that are not (yet) carried out, such as those involving intentions, wishes, possibilities, and impossibilities.

Would can also be used to describe an action that was habitual in the past, similar to “used to”: When we were children we would spend summers with our grandparents.

Would is also a frequent word in polite requests or inquiries: Would you like something to eat? I would prefer to wait here alone.

auxiliary

could

Modal of possibility

shouldExpresses obligation or expectation
mightGreat physical strength
mayVerb of possibility

can · shall · must · ought · had · have · do · be · need · dare

conditional

if

Conditional clause marker

hypotheticalAssumed but unproven
counterfactualContrary-to-fact supposition
subjunctiveVerb mood expressing unreality

suppose · assuming · provided · unless · otherwise · then · consequence · scenario · were · had

politeness

please

Polite appeal word

kindlyWarmly, with goodwill
mindSeat of consciousness
careAttentive regard for others

like · prefer · rather · request · asking · indirect · formal · softening · polite · courteous

habitual

used to

Past habitual action

alwaysAt all times
oftenAt frequent intervals
regularlyAt fixed intervals

routinely · typically · customarily · frequently · repeatedly · every day · back then · formerly · once · childhood

willingness

willing

Ready without resistance

readySuitable for use now
gladPleased or willing
happyFeeling pleasure or contentment

prepared · amenable · inclined · disposed · agreeable · eager · refuse · reluctant · unwilling · consent

Categories

Basic English Wordswho, what, when, where, why
silent lettersknife, knock, know, knee, knot
Stop Wordsa, an, the, of, to
tricky spellingsaccommodate, acknowledge, acquaintance, acquire, bureau
function wordsa, an, the, and, or
verb helpersam, are, be, been, being

Opposites

conditionality/hypotheticality

woulddid

Completed an action

does · do · is · will · has

willingness/volition

Past conditional negative

won't · will not · refused

modal certainty

wouldmust

Obligatory requirement

shall · will · has to · definitely · certainly

Phrases

would haveContrary-to-fact auxiliary
would likePolite expression of wanting
would ratherExpresses a preference
I wouldConditional agreement phrase
would you mindCourteous inquiry preamble
wouldn't be caught deadReject something completely

Family

wouldn't, would've, wouldst

Familiarity: Top 100
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G