比特派钱包app官方版下载安装|would
作者： 比特派钱包app官方版下载安装
2024-03-13 02:07:00
WOULD | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
WOULD | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
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English
Meaning of would in English
wouldmodal verb uk
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strong /wʊd/ weak /wəd/ weak /əd/ us
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strong /wʊd/ weak /wəd/ weak /əd/
would modal verb
(FUTURE)
Add to word list
Add to word list
B1 (also 'd) used to refer to future time from the point of view of the past: He said he would see his brother tomorrow. They knew there would be trouble unless the report was finished by the next day. We realized it wouldn't be easy to find another secretary.
would have
used to refer back to a time in the past from a point of view in the future: We thought they would have got home by five o'clock, but there was no reply when we phoned.
More examplesFewer examplesSuch a policy would not be constitutional.What time would it be convenient for me to come round?Changing the course of the river would cause serious environmental damage to the whole valley.I was curious to know what would happen next.The chief's son would inherit all his dominions.
would modal verb
(INTENTION)
(also 'd) used to refer to an intention from the point of view of the past: He said he would always love her . They promised that they would help. There was nobody left who would (= was willing to) do it. I asked him to move his car but he said he wouldn't (= he refused).
More examplesFewer examplesThe president continued by saying that his country was a free country and would always remain so.I would like to express my thanks for your kindness.She promised faithfully that she would never leave him.My dad said he would help with the costs of buying a house.We would like to announce the appointment of Julia Lewis as head of sales.
would modal verb
(POSSIBILITY)
B1 (also 'd) used to refer to a situation that you can imagine happening: I would hate to miss the show. I'd go myself but I'm too busy. It would have been very boring to sit through the whole speech.
B1 (also 'd) used with if in conditional sentences (= sentences that refer to what happens if something else happens): What would you do if you lost your job? If I'd had time, I would have gone to see Graham.
More examplesFewer examplesIf she ever left him he would be heartbroken.My mother would worry herself to death if she knew what I was doing.A nuclear holocaust would leave few survivors.If you were offered an overseas posting, would you take it?If he forgot to pay his rent, his landlady would send him a reminder.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Certainty
(as) clear as day idiom
(as) sure as eggs is eggs idiom
and that's flat! idiom
assure someone of something
assured
decidedly
deffo
definite
definitely
definitive
irrefutable
irrefutably
make no mistake (about it) idiom
mistake
nail something on
solidity
squarely
unreservedly
watertight
you can bet your life idiom
See more results »
would modal verb
(REQUEST)
A1 (also 'd) used in polite requests and offers: Would you mind sharing a room? Would you like me to come with you? Would you like some cake?
More examplesFewer examplesWould you like to borrow this book?May I conduct you to your table, sir, or would you prefer to have a drink at the bar first?Would you like an aisle seat or would you prefer to be by the window?Is that enough potato, or would you like some more?Someone's at the door - would you answer it please?
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Polite expressions
actually
allow
be so good as to phrase
by all means idiom
chance
cordially
could
magic word
may I ask idiom
might
might I ask/inquire/know idiom
no problem idiom
obliged
pardon
pardon (me) idiom
problem
say
welcome
wonder
you're welcome idiom
See more results »
would modal verb
(WILLINGNESS)
B1 past simple of
will : used to talk about what someone was willing to do or what something was able to do: The car wouldn't start this morning.
More examplesFewer examplesThis new computer system would save us a lot of time when doing the accounts.Such a policy would enhance the company's profile abroad.Thick carpet would reduce the echo in this hallway.She would let you use her computer if you asked.I wouldn't get involved if I were you.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Ready and willing
agreeable
amenable
at someone's beck and call idiom
at your command idiom
be chafing at the bit idiom
beck
command
concert pitch
disposed
eager
eagerly
fain
finger
keen
pleased
poised
prepared
raring
readily
ripe
See more results »
would modal verb
(FREQUENCY)
B2 (also 'd) used to talk about things in the past that happened often or always: He would always turn and wave at the end of the street.
disapproving (also 'd) used to suggest that what happens is expected because it is typical, especially of a person's behaviour: "Madeleine called to say she's too busy to come." "She would - she always has an excuse."
More examplesFewer examplesHe would always begin his lectures with a joke.They would often go for a drink together on Wednesdays.He would always smoke a cigar after dinner.She would often forget where she'd put her glasses.He would say that! He's always got a reason for being late.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Frequency & regularity - general words
(as) regular as clockwork idiom
-ly
clockwork
endemically
erratic
erratically
fitful
irregular
irregularity
irregularly
like clockwork idiom
many
on and off idiom
on-off
periodic
periodically
prevalence
religiously
statedly
unsynchronized
See more results »
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Typifying, illustrating and exemplifying
would modal verb
(OPINION)
C1 (also 'd) used to express an opinion in a polite way without being forceful: I would think we need to speak to the headteacher about this first. It's not what we would have expected from a professional service.
More examplesFewer examplesI would class her among/with the top ten American novelists.I would suggest that you were not adequately prepared for the interview.We would describe the standard of the food as poor.I'd have hoped for a better choice of wine to go with the meal.She'd describe her reaction to the film as one of disappointment.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Expressing and asking opinions
amirite
apothegm
couch
day
editorialize
express
far
mind
put something across
put something over/across
put your head over/above the parapet idiom
re-poll
run something by someone
sound
statement
ultracrepidarian
ventilate
ventilation
vocalize
vociferous
See more results »
would modal verb
(ADVISE)
(also 'd) used after "I" when giving advice: I wouldn't (= I advise you not to) worry about it, if I were you.
More examplesFewer examplesIf you're unsure of your legal rights, I would check with a lawyer.I wouldn't set off at five o'clock. You'll get caught in the rush hour traffic.I would add more salt to that.I would wear something more formal, if I were you.I wouldn't touch that, it's hot.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Giving advice
advice column
advice columnist
advisability
advisable
advise against doing something
agony uncle
brain trust
clinic
consultant
guidance
Monday-morning quarterback idiom
pick someone's brains idiom
piece of advice
preach
Privy Councillor
run over/through something
shoe
SpAd
steer
waste
See more results »
would modal verb
(REASON)
(also 'd) used after "why" when giving or asking the reason for something: Why would anyone want to eat something so horrible?
More examplesFewer examplesHe came to see you. Why else would he come?Why would he run away from the scene of the crime if he wasn't guilty?Why would you drive, when you could take the train?Why would anyone do such a thing?They must have split up. Why else would he be moving out?
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Linguistics: question words & expressions
amirite
devil
extent
how about...? idiom
how, what, why, etc. on earth... idiom
in God's/heaven's name idiom
question tag
trick
what the blazes...? idiom
what's something in aid of? idiom
what's that (all) about (then)? idiom
what's the score? idiom
what/where/how/why the devil idiom
when
whenever
where
wherefore
which
why
world
See more results »
would modal verb
(PROBABILITY)
(also 'd) used to refer to what is very likely: "The guy on the phone had a Southern accent." "That would be Tom."
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Possible and probable
add credence to something
always
anything's possible idiom
arguably
as never before idiom
bet
fair
give credence to something
happen
houseroom
I shouldn't wonder idiom
in with a chance
margin
odds
prob
probabilistic
probabilistically
probability
probable
tend
See more results »
Grammar
Should and wouldWe use should as a more formal alternative to would with I and we in conditional clauses. …
WouldWould comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): …
Would: formWould comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): …
Would: usesWe often use would to make requests. It is a more polite and indirect form of will. …
Would or will?We can use would as a more formal or polite alternative to will in requests. We often use the phrase would you mind + -ing in polite requests. …
Would likeWe use would like or ’d like to say politely what we want, especially when making offers and requests: …
Used toWe use used to when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation: …
Used to: meaning and formWe use used to when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation: …
Used to or would?We can use used to or would to talk about people’s habits in the past. When we use them both together, used to most commonly comes first, as it sets the scene for the actions being reported: …
Used to or be used to?Used to refers to actions and situations in the past which no longer happen or are no longer true. It always refers to the past: …
(Definition of would from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
would | American Dictionary
wouldmodal verb us
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/wʊd, wəd/
would modal verb
(FUTURE)
Add to word list
Add to word list
used to refer to future time after a verb in the past tense: He said he would see his brother tomorrow. They hoped they would go to France for their next vacation.
would modal verb
(INTENTION)
used to express an intention or plan after a verb in a past tense: He said he would love her forever. They promised that tomorrow they would help.
would modal verb
(REQUEST)
used as a form of will in requests and offers: "Would you like some cake?" "Yes, I would." Would you pick up a newspaper on your way home?
would modal verb
(POSSIBLE)
used to refer to a possibility or likelihood: I would hate to miss the show.
Would is used with if in sentences that show what will happen if something else happens: What would you do if you lost your job?
would modal verb
(ALWAYS)
used to suggest that in the past something happened often or always: In summer my dad would sit on the back porch after supper and read the newspaper.
wouldus
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/wʊd, wəd/
would
(WILL)
past simple of will : The car wouldn’t start this morning.
(Definition of would from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of would
would
In that case the grammar would have a phonotactic filter permitting /0/ to form nuclei only with single-x nonconsonantal melodies.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Using this medium, we originally planned to provide a sound treatment of side-effects that would be more effective than systematic residualization.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
In successive stages extremely long plans were formed of which probably only the newest phase(s) would have been in use.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
What would happen if these plans were implemented?
From the Cambridge English Corpus
If a player's type can be made common knowledge, rational egoists would not survive.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Hence, it is difficult to explain why players would conceive of the simultaneous move game in sequential terms.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
This would provide a qualitative description of the mixing of single-particle and collective effects.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Only quick action would transfer people from relief to work as the president wanted.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
In such a framework, there would seem to be no reason not to include social meaning along with 'ordinary' semantics and pragmatics.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Thus, the spending of the new pesticide tax proceeds, to a great extent, would redistribute money from conventional to organic farming.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Thus, for an intensive cropping system, external sources of decomposed organic matter addition would be a better option.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
For her project to succeed fully, she would need to be able to vindicate both her historical and philosophical claims.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Physically, this 6 has the effect of a long-wavelength modulation to the system which would be the same for all the interaction coefficients.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Thus, even if we were measuring the correct symptoms, we could expect that our purely categorical disease would be hidden within a continuous symptom distribution.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
But it would prove impossible to deduce a physical theory from such purely formal theorems.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of would?
B1,B1,B1,A1,B1,B2,C1
Translations of would
in Chinese (Traditional)
未來, （從過去的角度指將來發生的事）將，將要, 意圖…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
未来, （从过去的角度指将来发生的事）将，将要, 意图…
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in Spanish
pasado de "will", se usa para hablar de situaciones imaginarias, se usa para expresarse en condicional…
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in Portuguese
forma do passado de "will", usado para falar sobre uma situação que você pode imaginar que aconteça, usado para dizer o que talvez aconteça se algo mais acontecer…
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in more languages
in Marathi
in Japanese
in Turkish
in French
in Catalan
in Dutch
in Tamil
in Hindi
in Gujarati
in Danish
in Swedish
in Malay
in German
in Norwegian
in Urdu
in Ukrainian
in Russian
in Telugu
in Arabic
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in Italian
भूतकाळातील भविष्याचे वर्णन करताना वापरला जाणारे क्रियापद, घडणाऱ्या काल्पनिक दृश्याचे वर्णन करताना वापरले जाणारे क्रियापद, सशर्त वाक्यात जर च्या सोबत वापरले जाणारे क्रियापद…
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（もし～ならば）～するだろう, （もし～ならば）するかもしれない, “will” の過去形…
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bir şey olursa ondan sonra olabilecek şeyi anlatmada kullanılır (şart cümleciğinin 2. türünde), geçmiş zaman fiil yapısında 'will' yardımcı fiilinin 2. hâli olarak kullanılır, birinin bir şeyi önceden yapmaya istekli olduğunu veya bir şeyin neyi yapabileceğini belirtirken 'will' yardımcı fiilinin geçmiş hâli olarak kullanılır…
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verbe au conditionnel présent, vouloir, verbe à l’imparfait…
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s’utilitza per a expressar el que passaria si es dóna una condició, passat de “will”, s’utilitza per a parlar de situacions imaginàries…
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zou(den), moest…
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கடந்த காலத்தின் பார்வையில் இருந்து எதிர்கால நேரத்தைக் குறிக்கப் பயன்படுகிறது, நடப்பதை நீங்கள் கற்பனை செய்யக்கூடிய சூழ்நிலையைக் குறிக்கப் பயன்படுகிறது, நிபந்தனை வாக்கியங்களில் "if" உடன் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது (=வேறு ஏதாவது நடந்தால் என்ன நடக்கும் என்பதைக் குறிக்கும் வாக்கியங்கள்)…
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अतीत के दृष्टिकोण से भविष्य के समय का उल्लेख करने के लिए प्रयुक्त, एक परिस्थिति के घटित होने की कल्पना करने के लिए प्रयुक्त, काल्पनिक घटनाओं के परिणाम के वर्णन करने के लिए प्रयुक्त…
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ભૂતકાળના દૃષ્ટિકોણથી ભવિષ્યનો સંદર્ભે લેવા ઉપયોગ થાય છે, એવી સ્થિતિનો ઉલ્લેખ કરવા ઉપયોગમાં લેવાય છે જે બનતી હોય તેવી કલ્પના તમે કરી શકો છો, શરતી વાક્યોમાં જો/તો સાથે વાપરવામાં આવે છે.…
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ville, det ertypisk!…
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skulle, ville, [att det] nödvändigt skulle [hända nu!]…
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akan, bakal, memang akan…
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Imperfekt von ‘will‘, konditional: würde/n/st, höflicher Ausdruck einer Vorliebe…
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ville, skulle, vil…
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گا, فعل مستقبل کا استعمال فعلِ ماضی میں, ہونا…
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допоміжне дієслово для утворення майбутнього в минулому часі, допоміжне дієслово для утворення умовного способу, виражає ввічливе прохання…
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вспом. гл. для образования форм сослагательного наклонения, вспом. гл., в придаточном предложении служит для выражения будущего времени…
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ఉండు, ఉంటుంది, మర్యాదకరమైన అర్థింపులు…
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سَوف, الفِعل الماضي مِنْ will, فِعل مُساعِد…
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অতীতের নিরিখে ভবিষ্যতের সময় বোঝাতে ব্যবহৃত অভিব্যক্তি, কোনো ঘটনা যা কল্পনায় ঘটছে বোঝাতে ব্যবহৃত অভিব্যক্তি, শর্তযুক্ত বাক্যে if এর সঙ্গে ব্যবহৃত হয়…
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minulý čas slovesa will, užívá se pro děje, které se stanou n. mohou stát…
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akan, mungkin, lebih suka…
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จะ, ใช้ในการพูดถึงสิ่งที่จะเกิดขึ้น หรืออาจเกิดขึ้น, ใช้เพื่อแสดงความเห็นอย่างสุภาพ…
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quá khứ của will, hỏi lịch sự, nêu quan điểm…
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by, często tłumaczymy polskim czasem przyszłym, chcieć…
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(상상하는 일이 발생할 경우)-일 것이다, “will”의 과거형으로 쓰임, (상상속에서 일어 날 수 있는 일을 말할때) -일 것이다…
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usato per esprimere quello che potrebbe accadere se qualcos’altro accade, usato come passato semplice di “will”, usato per esprimere una situazione che si immagina possa accadere…
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worthy of attention, notice, etc. phrase
worthy of something phrase
wot
wotcha
would
would (just) as soon idiom
would appreciate phrase
would be (well) advised to do something phrase
would give your eyeteeth for something idiom
More meanings of would
All
would-be
would've
would, at should
would love phrase
would rather phrase
would appreciate phrase
would (just) as soon idiom
See all meanings
Idioms and phrases
would love phrase
would rather phrase
would appreciate phrase
would (just) as soon idiom
someone would do better phrase
would you like...? idiom
I would give anything/a lot idiom
See all idioms and phrases
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response
UK
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/rɪˈspɒns/
US
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/rɪˈspɑːns/
an answer or reaction
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Contents
English
Modal verb
would (FUTURE)
would have
would (INTENTION)
would (POSSIBILITY)
would (REQUEST)
would (WILLINGNESS)
would (FREQUENCY)
would (OPINION)
would (ADVISE)
would (REASON)
would (PROBABILITY)
American
Modal verb
would (FUTURE)
would (INTENTION)
would (REQUEST)
would (POSSIBLE)
would (ALWAYS)
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Would Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Would Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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Est. 1828
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would
verb
wəd,
əd,
d,
ˈwu̇d
past tense of
will
1
—used in auxiliary function to express plan or intentionsaid we would come
2
: should
knew I would enjoy the trip would be glad to know the answer
3
—used in auxiliary function to express consent or choicewould put it off if he could
4
—used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present timewould have won if I had not tripped
5
—used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expectedwould you please help us
6
—used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preferencehe would sooner die than face them
7
a
—used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibilityif he were coming, he would be here now
b
—used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (such as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice)we wish that he would go
8
—used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual actionwe would meet often for lunch
9
: could
the barrel would hold 20 gallons
10
—used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertaintythe explanation … would seem satisfactory
11
a
—used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intentthose who would forbid gambling
b
—used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preferenceas ye would that men should do to you—Luke 6:31 (King James Version)
12
a
: strongly desire : wish
I would I were young again
—often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional constructionwould that I had heeded your advice
b
archaic
: wished, desired
c
archaic
: wish for : want
Examples of would in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whenever the Patriots were in it, Jason would go with Devin and act as the family liaison.
—Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2023
Trudeau said Canadian forces would recover the wreckage for study.
—Adn News Service and Staff Reports, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Feb. 2023
Even while watching last year's Super Bowl, Bill Richards was planning how this year's pregame show would look.
—Joe Reedy, ajc, 11 Feb. 2023
Over the years, the 15-year-old lost hope that would change.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2023
The Waldorf would easily eclipse the 85-floor, 868-foot Panorama tower built several years ago by Florida East Coast Realty and its pioneering founder, Tibor Hollo.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2023
Maryland women’s lacrosse coach Cathy Reese wondered how both her offense and defense, which largely consist of a mix of experienced veterans and new faces, would look in 2023.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2023
The Wildcats fought through an interesting final quarter, yet the Bulldogs would not be denied in finishing off this victory.
—Indy Star Ai Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Feb. 2023
And though rumors abounded that former coordinator Liam Coen would return to Lexington, nothing was official.
—Ryan Black, The Courier-Journal, 11 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'would.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 12b
Time Traveler
The first known use of would was
before the 12th century
See more words from the same century
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Dictionary Entries Near would
wough
would
would've
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“Would.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
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Kids Definition
would
verb
wəd
əd,
d,
(ˈ)wu̇d
past of
will
1
: strongly desire : wish
I would I were young again
2
—used as a helping verb to express (1) preference or willingnessI would sooner die than face them , (2) wish or intentthose who would forbid free access to books , (3) plan or intentionsaid they would come , (4) custom or usual behaviorwe would meet often for lunch , (5) consent or choicewould put it off if they could , (6) possibilityif they were coming, they would be here now , (7) completion of a statement of desire, request, or adviceI wish that you would go , or (8) probability or likelihood in past or present timewould have won if she had not tripped
3
: could
the pitcher would hold two liters
4
—used as a helping verb to word a polite request or to show doubt or uncertaintywould you please help usthe explanation would seem satisfactory
5
: should
knew I would enjoy the trip would be glad to know the answer
More from Merriam-Webster on would
Nglish: Translation of would for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of would for Arabic Speakers
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WOULD | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
WOULD | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
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English
Meaning of would in English
wouldmodal verb us
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strong /wʊd/ weak /wəd/ weak /əd/ uk
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strong /wʊd/ weak /wəd/ weak /əd/
would modal verb
(FUTURE)
Add to word list
Add to word list
B1 (also 'd) used to refer to future time from the point of view of the past: He said he would see his brother tomorrow. They knew there would be trouble unless the report was finished by the next day. We realized it wouldn't be easy to find another secretary.
would have
used to refer back to a time in the past from a point of view in the future: We thought they would have gotten home by five o'clock, but there was no reply when we phoned.
More examplesFewer examplesSuch a policy would not be constitutional.What time would it be convenient for me to come round?Changing the course of the river would cause serious environmental damage to the whole valley.I was curious to know what would happen next.The chief's son would inherit all his dominions.
would modal verb
(INTENTION)
(also 'd) used to refer to an intention from the point of view of the past: He said he would always love her . They promised that they would help. There was nobody left who would (= was willing to) do it. I asked him to move his car but he said he wouldn't (= he refused).
More examplesFewer examplesThe president continued by saying that his country was a free country and would always remain so.I would like to express my thanks for your kindness.She promised faithfully that she would never leave him.My dad said he would help with the costs of buying a house.We would like to announce the appointment of Julia Lewis as head of sales.
would modal verb
(POSSIBILITY)
B1 (also 'd) used to refer to a situation that you can imagine happening: I would hate to miss the show. I'd go myself but I'm too busy. It would have been very boring to sit through the whole speech.
B1 (also 'd) used with if in conditional sentences (= sentences that refer to what happens if something else happens): What would you do if you lost your job? If I'd had time, I would have gone to see Graham.
More examplesFewer examplesIf she ever left him he would be heartbroken.My mother would worry herself to death if she knew what I was doing.A nuclear holocaust would leave few survivors.If you were offered an overseas posting, would you take it?If he forgot to pay his rent, his landlady would send him a reminder.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Certainty
(as) clear as day idiom
(as) sure as eggs is eggs idiom
and that's flat! idiom
assure someone of something
assured
decidedly
deffo
definite
definitely
definitive
irrefutable
irrefutably
make no mistake (about it) idiom
mistake
nail something on
solidity
squarely
unreservedly
watertight
you can bet your life idiom
See more results »
would modal verb
(REQUEST)
A1 (also 'd) used in polite requests and offers: Would you mind sharing a room? Would you like me to come with you? Would you like some cake?
More examplesFewer examplesWould you like to borrow this book?May I conduct you to your table, sir, or would you prefer to have a drink at the bar first?Would you like an aisle seat or would you prefer to be by the window?Is that enough potato, or would you like some more?Someone's at the door - would you answer it please?
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Polite expressions
actually
allow
be so good as to phrase
by all means idiom
chance
cordially
could
least
magic word
may I ask idiom
might
might I ask/inquire/know idiom
no problem idiom
pardon
pardon (me) idiom
problem
say
welcome
wonder
you're welcome idiom
See more results »
would modal verb
(WILLINGNESS)
B1 past simple of
will : used to talk about what someone was willing to do or what something was able to do: The car wouldn't start this morning.
More examplesFewer examplesThis new computer system would save us a lot of time when doing the accounts.Such a policy would enhance the company's profile abroad.Thick carpet would reduce the echo in this hallway.She would let you use her computer if you asked.I wouldn't get involved if I were you.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Ready and willing
agreeable
amenable
at someone's beck and call idiom
at your command idiom
be chafing at the bit idiom
beck
command
concert pitch
disposed
eager
eagerly
fain
finger
keen
pleased
poised
prepared
raring
readily
ripe
See more results »
would modal verb
(FREQUENCY)
B2 (also 'd) used to talk about things in the past that happened often or always: He would always turn and wave at the end of the street.
disapproving (also 'd) used to suggest that what happens is expected because it is typical, especially of a person's behavior: "Madeleine called to say she's too busy to come." "She would - she always has an excuse."
More examplesFewer examplesHe would always begin his lectures with a joke.They would often go for a drink together on Wednesdays.He would always smoke a cigar after dinner.She would often forget where she'd put her glasses.He would say that! He always has a reason for being late.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Frequency & regularity - general words
(as) regular as clockwork idiom
-ly
clockwork
endemically
erratic
erratically
fitful
irregular
irregularity
irregularly
like clockwork idiom
many
on and off idiom
on-off
periodic
periodically
prevalence
religiously
statedly
unsynchronized
See more results »
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Typifying, illustrating and exemplifying
would modal verb
(OPINION)
C1 (also 'd) used to express an opinion in a polite way without being forceful: I would think we need to speak to the principal about this first. It's not what we would have expected from a professional service.
More examplesFewer examplesI would class her among/with the top ten American novelists.I would suggest that you were not adequately prepared for the interview.We would describe the standard of the food as poor.I'd have hoped for a better choice of wine to go with the meal.She'd describe her reaction to the film as one of disappointment.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Expressing and asking opinions
amirite
apothegm
couch
day
editorialize
express
far
mind
put something across
put something over/across
put your head over/above the parapet idiom
re-poll
run something by someone
sound
statement
ultracrepidarian
ventilate
ventilation
vocalize
vociferous
See more results »
would modal verb
(ADVISE)
(also 'd) used after "I" when giving advice: I wouldn't (= I advise you not to) worry about it, if I were you.
More examplesFewer examplesIf you're unsure of your legal rights, I would check with a lawyer.I wouldn't set off at five o'clock. You'll get caught in the rush hour traffic.I would add more salt to that.I would wear something more formal, if I were you.I wouldn't touch that, it's hot.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Giving advice
advice column
advice columnist
advisability
advisable
advise against doing something
agony uncle
brain trust
clinic
consultant
GDA
guidance
Monday
Monday-morning quarterback idiom
on the advice of someone/something
oracle
piece of advice
preach
Privy Councillor
run over/through something
shoe
See more results »
would modal verb
(REASON)
(also 'd) used after "why" when giving or asking the reason for something: Why would anyone want to eat something so horrible?
More examplesFewer examplesHe came to see you. Why else would he come?Why would he run away from the scene of the crime if he wasn't guilty?Why would you drive, when you could take the train?Why would anyone do such a thing?They must have split up. Why else would he be moving out?
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Linguistics: question words & expressions
amirite
devil
extent
how about...? idiom
how, what, why, etc. on earth... idiom
in God's/heaven's name idiom
question tag
trick
what the blazes...? idiom
what's something in aid of? idiom
what's that (all) about (then)? idiom
what's the score? idiom
what/where/how/why the devil idiom
when
whenever
where
wherefore
which
why
world
See more results »
would modal verb
(PROBABILITY)
(also 'd) used to refer to what is very likely: "The guy on the phone had a Southern accent." "That would be Tom."
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Possible and probable
add credence to something
always
anything's possible idiom
arguably
as never before idiom
bet
fair
fighting chance
give credence to something
happen
houseroom
I shouldn't wonder idiom
margin
odds
presumably
prob
probabilistic
probabilistically
probability
tend
See more results »
Grammar
Should and wouldWe use should as a more formal alternative to would with I and we in conditional clauses. …
WouldWould comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): …
Would: formWould comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): …
Would: usesWe often use would to make requests. It is a more polite and indirect form of will. …
Would or will?We can use would as a more formal or polite alternative to will in requests. We often use the phrase would you mind + -ing in polite requests. …
Would likeWe use would like or ’d like to say politely what we want, especially when making offers and requests: …
Used toWe use used to when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation: …
Used to: meaning and formWe use used to when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation: …
Used to or would?We can use used to or would to talk about people’s habits in the past. When we use them both together, used to most commonly comes first, as it sets the scene for the actions being reported: …
Used to or be used to?Used to refers to actions and situations in the past which no longer happen or are no longer true. It always refers to the past: …
(Definition of would from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
would | Intermediate English
wouldmodal verb us
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/wʊd, wəd/
would modal verb
(FUTURE)
Add to word list
Add to word list
used to refer to future time after a verb in the past tense: He said he would see his brother tomorrow. They hoped they would go to France for their next vacation.
would modal verb
(INTENTION)
used to express an intention or plan after a verb in a past tense: He said he would love her forever. They promised that tomorrow they would help.
would modal verb
(REQUEST)
used as a form of will in requests and offers: "Would you like some cake?" "Yes, I would." Would you pick up a newspaper on your way home?
would modal verb
(POSSIBLE)
used to refer to a possibility or likelihood: I would hate to miss the show.
Would is used with if in sentences that show what will happen if something else happens: What would you do if you lost your job?
would modal verb
(ALWAYS)
used to suggest that in the past something happened often or always: In summer my dad would sit on the back porch after supper and read the newspaper.
wouldus
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/wʊd, wəd/
would
(WILL)
past simple of will : The car wouldn’t start this morning.
(Definition of would from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of would
would
But it shouldn't, and it wouldn't if it were the norm.
From The Atlantic
I felt like she would always be part of my life.
From The Atlantic
What would make them attack him like that?
From Philly.com
We would all, including our children, be better off.
From The Atlantic
Not to do so would be death by a thousand blows.
From Hollywood Reporter
What would it be like to have a conversation with a three-percenter?
From TIME
If they could blow me up, they would.
From Los Angeles Times
Would he allow his own young daughters to be married?
From Los Angeles Times
And this would just be one of those.
From NPR
I think that would be a fascinating part to play.
From Huffington Post
He would need to get a court order to do it.
From ABC News
At most, he would have lived there for 18 months.
From TIME
And if it did, she added, the effect wouldn't be seen for centuries.
From Huffington Post
I would like to say it's a good idea.
From National Geographic
And what would that mean for the future?
From ThinkProgress
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of would?
B1,B1,B1,A1,B1,B2,C1
Translations of would
in Chinese (Traditional)
未來, （從過去的角度指將來發生的事）將，將要, 意圖…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
未来, （从过去的角度指将来发生的事）将，将要, 意图…
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in Spanish
pasado de "will", se usa para hablar de situaciones imaginarias, se usa para expresarse en condicional…
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in Portuguese
forma do passado de "will", usado para falar sobre uma situação que você pode imaginar que aconteça, usado para dizer o que talvez aconteça se algo mais acontecer…
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in more languages
in Marathi
in Japanese
in Turkish
in French
in Catalan
in Dutch
in Tamil
in Hindi
in Gujarati
in Danish
in Swedish
in Malay
in German
in Norwegian
in Urdu
in Ukrainian
in Russian
in Telugu
in Arabic
in Bengali
in Czech
in Indonesian
in Thai
in Vietnamese
in Polish
in Korean
in Italian
भूतकाळातील भविष्याचे वर्णन करताना वापरला जाणारे क्रियापद, घडणाऱ्या काल्पनिक दृश्याचे वर्णन करताना वापरले जाणारे क्रियापद, सशर्त वाक्यात जर च्या सोबत वापरले जाणारे क्रियापद…
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（もし～ならば）～するだろう, （もし～ならば）するかもしれない, “will” の過去形…
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bir şey olursa ondan sonra olabilecek şeyi anlatmada kullanılır (şart cümleciğinin 2. türünde), geçmiş zaman fiil yapısında 'will' yardımcı fiilinin 2. hâli olarak kullanılır, birinin bir şeyi önceden yapmaya istekli olduğunu veya bir şeyin neyi yapabileceğini belirtirken 'will' yardımcı fiilinin geçmiş hâli olarak kullanılır…
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verbe au conditionnel présent, vouloir, verbe à l’imparfait…
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s’utilitza per a expressar el que passaria si es dóna una condició, passat de “will”, s’utilitza per a parlar de situacions imaginàries…
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zou(den), moest…
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கடந்த காலத்தின் பார்வையில் இருந்து எதிர்கால நேரத்தைக் குறிக்கப் பயன்படுகிறது, நடப்பதை நீங்கள் கற்பனை செய்யக்கூடிய சூழ்நிலையைக் குறிக்கப் பயன்படுகிறது, நிபந்தனை வாக்கியங்களில் "if" உடன் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது (=வேறு ஏதாவது நடந்தால் என்ன நடக்கும் என்பதைக் குறிக்கும் வாக்கியங்கள்)…
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अतीत के दृष्टिकोण से भविष्य के समय का उल्लेख करने के लिए प्रयुक्त, एक परिस्थिति के घटित होने की कल्पना करने के लिए प्रयुक्त, काल्पनिक घटनाओं के परिणाम के वर्णन करने के लिए प्रयुक्त…
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ભૂતકાળના દૃષ્ટિકોણથી ભવિષ્યનો સંદર્ભે લેવા ઉપયોગ થાય છે, એવી સ્થિતિનો ઉલ્લેખ કરવા ઉપયોગમાં લેવાય છે જે બનતી હોય તેવી કલ્પના તમે કરી શકો છો, શરતી વાક્યોમાં જો/તો સાથે વાપરવામાં આવે છે.…
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ville, det ertypisk!…
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skulle, ville, [att det] nödvändigt skulle [hända nu!]…
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akan, bakal, memang akan…
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Imperfekt von ‘will‘, konditional: würde/n/st, höflicher Ausdruck einer Vorliebe…
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ville, skulle, vil…
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گا, فعل مستقبل کا استعمال فعلِ ماضی میں, ہونا…
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допоміжне дієслово для утворення майбутнього в минулому часі, допоміжне дієслово для утворення умовного способу, виражає ввічливе прохання…
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вспом. гл. для образования форм сослагательного наклонения, вспом. гл., в придаточном предложении служит для выражения будущего времени…
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ఉండు, ఉంటుంది, మర్యాదకరమైన అర్థింపులు…
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سَوف, الفِعل الماضي مِنْ will, فِعل مُساعِد…
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অতীতের নিরিখে ভবিষ্যতের সময় বোঝাতে ব্যবহৃত অভিব্যক্তি, কোনো ঘটনা যা কল্পনায় ঘটছে বোঝাতে ব্যবহৃত অভিব্যক্তি, শর্তযুক্ত বাক্যে if এর সঙ্গে ব্যবহৃত হয়…
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minulý čas slovesa will, užívá se pro děje, které se stanou n. mohou stát…
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akan, mungkin, lebih suka…
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จะ, ใช้ในการพูดถึงสิ่งที่จะเกิดขึ้น หรืออาจเกิดขึ้น, ใช้เพื่อแสดงความเห็นอย่างสุภาพ…
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quá khứ của will, hỏi lịch sự, nêu quan điểm…
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by, często tłumaczymy polskim czasem przyszłym, chcieć…
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(상상하는 일이 발생할 경우)-일 것이다, “will”의 과거형으로 쓰임, (상상속에서 일어 날 수 있는 일을 말할때) -일 것이다…
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usato per esprimere quello che potrebbe accadere se qualcos’altro accade, usato come passato semplice di “will”, usato per esprimere una situazione che si immagina possa accadere…
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worthy of attention, notice, etc. phrase
worthy of something phrase
wot
wotcha
would
would (just) as soon idiom
would appreciate phrase
would be (well) advised to do something phrase
would give your eyeteeth for something idiom
More meanings of would
All
would-be
would've
would, at should
would love phrase
would rather phrase
would appreciate phrase
would (just) as soon idiom
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Idioms and phrases
would love phrase
would rather phrase
would appreciate phrase
would (just) as soon idiom
someone would do better phrase
would you like...? idiom
I would give anything/a lot idiom
See all idioms and phrases
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Contents
English
Modal verb
would (FUTURE)
would have
would (INTENTION)
would (POSSIBILITY)
would (REQUEST)
would (WILLINGNESS)
would (FREQUENCY)
would (OPINION)
would (ADVISE)
would (REASON)
would (PROBABILITY)
Intermediate
Modal verb
would (FUTURE)
would (INTENTION)
would (REQUEST)
would (POSSIBLE)
would (ALWAYS)
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How to use 'would'Perfect English Grammar
Click here to download this explanation as a pdf.
We can use subject + would + infinitive (I would go) or subject + would + have + past participle (I would have gone).
'Would' has quite a lot of different uses. It's often a kind of past tense version of 'will'.
Remember that both 'had' and 'would' can be shorted to 'd. But only 'would' is followed by an infinitive without 'to'. 'Had' is followed by a past participle or by 'to + infinitive'.
1: The past of 'will' in reported speech
When we use 'will' in direct speech, we often use 'would' to change it into reported speech.
Direct speech: I will be there at 6pm.
Reported speech: She said that she would be there at 6pm.
Direct speech: We won't see you at the party.
Reported speech: They said that they wouldn't see us at the party.
Read more about reported speech here.
2: Willingness in the past
In the present we use 'will' to talk about willingness (willingness means that you are happy to do something). For example, if we say 'I will help you', this means 'I'm offering to help you' or 'I'm happy to help you'. We use 'would' for the same meaning in the past. Usually, we use this in the negative (when we are not happy to do something) and we use 'won't' for the present and 'wouldn't for the past'.
His mother won't let him go to the party.
His mother wouldn't let him go to the party.
3: Habits in the past
When we were children, we would go to the beach every summer.
When I lived in Japan, I would take Japanese lessons three times a week.
This is similar in meaning to 'used to + infinitive'. Read more about habits in the past here.
(We can also use 'will' for typical behaviour or habits in the present, though this is much less common than using 'would' for the past. An example in the present is 'she'll talk and talk for hours!')
4: Requests
We use both 'will' and 'would' to make requests. The meaning is the same for both, but a request with 'would' is more polite than a request with 'will'.
Will you please help me?
Would you please help me?
5: The second conditional
We use 'would + infinitive' in the second conditional.
If I had enough money, I would travel around the world.
If we lived in Madrid, we would study Spanish.
Read more about the second conditional here.
6: The third conditional
We use 'would + have + past participle' in the third conditional.
If I had gone to bed earlier, I wouldn't have been so tired.
If the train hadn't been late, we would have arrived on time.
Read more about the third conditional here.
Read about 'could have' / 'would have' / 'should have' here.
7: With 'wish'
I wish that he wouldn't smoke so much.
I wish you would come to see me more often.
See more about 'wish' here.
8: With set phrases to talk about what we want
We use 'would' with some set phrases. These have some 'willingness' meaning in them.
I would like some coffee.
She would rather go to the cinema.
We would prefer to leave immediately.
Would you mind helping me?
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Would - Grammar - Cambridge Dictionary
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Would
Grammar > Verbs > Modal verbs and modality > Would from English Grammar Today
Would: formAffirmative formWould comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb):Dad would sing to us every evening.Would cannot be used with another modal verb:When Tracy opened the door, she thought she would find an empty room.Not: … she thought she would might find an empty room. or … she thought she might would find an empty room. Negative formThe negative form of would is wouldn’t. We don’t use don’t, doesn’t, didn’t with would:There wouldn’t be any food in the house.Not: There didn’t would be any food in the house.We use the full form would not in formal contexts or when we want to emphasise something:Your father would not approve.See also: Modal verbs Question formThe subject and would change position to form questions. We don’t use do, does, did:Would that be a good idea?Not: Does this would that be a good idea?Wouldn’t that be a good idea?We can use would and wouldn’t in question tags:She wouldn’t be any help, would she?They would enjoy that, wouldn’t they?
Would: usesRequestsWe often use would to make requests. It is a more polite and indirect form of will.CompareWill you make dinner?directWould you make dinner?less directSee also: Would or will? Conditional sentencesWe often use would (or the contracted form ’d) in the main clause of a conditional sentence when we talk about imagined situations:If we had left earlier, we would have been able to stop off for a coffee on the way.If we went to Chile, we’d have to go to Argentina as well. I’d love to see both.See also: Conditionals Habitual actions in the pastWe use would to refer to typical habitual actions and events in the past. This is usually a formal use and it often occurs in stories (narratives):I had a friend from Albany, which is about 36 miles away, and we would meet every Thursday morning and she would help us.Then he would wash; then he would eat his toast; then he would read his paper by the bright burning fire of electric coals.Warning: We can’t use would in this way to talk about states. In these cases, we say used to instead of would:I used to live in Melbourne when I was a kid.Not: I would live in Melbourne when I was a kid.See also: Used to
Talking about the future in the pastWe use would to talk about the future in the past. The speaker looks forward in time from a point in the past (underlined below):When I was young I thought that in years to come I would be really tall.When I broke my leg, I thought I would never dance again. Reported clausesWe use would as the past form of will in reported clauses.statement with willreported‘I’ll pay for the food,’ said Tom.Tom said that he would pay for the food.Weather forecast:There will be clear skies in the morning but it will be cloudy for the afternoon.The weather forecast said that there would be clear skies in the morning but that it would be cloudy for the afternoon.See also: Would or will? Reported speech Willingness in the pastWe use would to talk about willingness in past time situations. We usually use the negative form wouldn’t in this case:The CD wasn’t working so I brought it back to the shop but they wouldn’t give me my money back because they said the box had already been opened.
Being less directWe often use would with verbs such as advise, imagine, recommend, say, suggest, think to make what we say less direct.adviseI’d advise you to keep working on your grammar.imagineI’d imagine it can’t be easy for you.recommendI’d recommend that you try this size. (formal)sayI’d say you are about 40.suggestWe’d suggest that you take this route. It’s more scenic. (formal)thinkIt’s much further than Dublin, I would think.Would or will?We can use would as a more formal or polite alternative to will in requests. We often use the phrase would you mind + -ing in polite requests.CompareWill you give me a wake-up call at 7 am, please?Would you mind giving me a wake-up call at 7 am, please?Will you excuse me just one second?Would you excuse me just one second?Using would makes the request more formal and polite.Will and would can both refer to willingness. We use will for present and future time and would, usually in the negative, for past time:John will carry your suitcase. It’s far too heavy for you. (present)The taxi driver wouldn’t take more than four in the car. (past)Warning: There are a number of phrases with would where will cannot be used:Would you like your steak well cooked?Not: Will you like your steak well cooked?Would you mind introducing me to him?Not: Will you mind introducing me to him?Would you rather pay by credit card?Not: Will you rather pay by credit card?See also: Mind
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Contents
Adjectives and adverbs
Easily confused words
Nouns, pronouns and determiners
Prepositions and particles
Using English
Adjectives and adverbs
Verbs
Words, sentences and clauses
Easily confused words
Nouns, pronouns and determiners
Prepositions and particles
Using English
Verbs
Words, sentences and clauses
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Contents
Adjectives and adverbs Adjectives Adjectives Adjectives: forms Adjectives: order Adjective phrases Adjective phrases: functions Adjective phrases: position Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors Comparative and superlative adjectives Comparison: adjectives (bigger, biggest, more interesting) Comparison: clauses (bigger than we had imagined) Comparison: comparisons of equality (as tall as his father) As … as Adverbs Adverbs Adverb phrases Adverbs and adverb phrases: position Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors Adverbs: forms Adverbs: functions Adverbs: types Comparison: adverbs (worse, more easily) Degree adverbs Fairly Intensifiers (very, at all) Largely Much, a lot, lots, a good deal: adverbs Pretty Quite Rather Really Scarcely Very Time adverbs About Ago Already Always Early Ever Hardly ever, rarely, scarcely, seldom Next No longer, not any longer No more, not any more Now Often Once Soon Still Then Usually Eventually Adverbs as discourse markers (anyway, finally) Adverbs as short responses (definitely, certainly) Using adjectives and adverbs Afraid Alike Hard Long Only Same, similar, identical Likely and unlikely As well (as) Even Hardly Hopefully Surely Too Ultimately Easily confused words Above or over? Across, over or through? Advice or advise? Affect or effect? All or every? All or whole? Allow, permit or let? Almost or nearly? Alone, lonely, or lonesome? Along or alongside? Already, still or yet? Also, as well or too? Alternate(ly), alternative(ly) Although or though? Altogether or all together? Amount of, number of or quantity of? Any more or anymore? Anyone, anybody or anything? Apart from or except for? Arise or rise? Around or round? Arouse or rouse? As or like? As, because or since? As, when or while? Been or gone? Begin or start? Beside or besides? Between or among? Born or borne? Bring, take and fetch Can, could or may? Classic or classical? Come or go? Consider or regard? Consist, comprise or compose? Content or contents? Different from, different to or different than? Do or make? Down, downwards or downward? During or for? Each or every? East or eastern; north or northern? Economic or economical? Efficient or effective? Elder, eldest or older, oldest? End or finish? Especially or specially? Except or except for? Expect, hope or wait? Experience or experiment? Fall or fall down? Far or a long way? Farther, farthest or further, furthest? Fast, quick or quickly? Fell or felt? Female or feminine; male or masculine? Finally, at last, lastly or in the end? First, firstly or at first? Fit or suit? Following or the following? For or since? Forget or leave? Full or filled? Fun or funny? Get or go? Grateful or thankful? Hear or listen (to)? High or tall? Historic or historical? House or home? How is …? or What is … like? If or when? If or whether? Ill or sick? Imply or infer? In the way or on the way? It’s or its? Late or lately? Lay or lie? Lend or borrow? Less or fewer? Look at, see or watch? Low or short? Man, mankind or people? Maybe or may be? Maybe or perhaps? Nearest or next? Never or not … ever? Nice or sympathetic? No doubt or without doubt? No or not? Nowadays, these days or today? Open or opened? Opportunity or possibility? Opposite or in front of? Other, others, the other or another? Out or out of? Permit or permission? Person, persons or people? Pick or pick up? Play or game? Politics, political, politician or policy? Price or prize? Principal or principle? Quiet or quite? Raise or rise? Remember or remind? Right or rightly? Rob or steal? Say or tell? So that or in order that? Sometimes or sometime? Sound or noise? Speak or talk? Such or so? There, their or they’re? Towards or toward? Wait or wait for? Wake, wake up or awaken? Worth or worthwhile? Nouns, pronouns and determiners Determiners A/an and the Determiners (the, my, some, this) Determiners and types of noun Determiners: position and order Determiners: typical errors Determiners used as pronouns Every Possession (John’s car, a friend of mine) Such This, that, these, those Whole Nouns Nouns Nouns: form Nouns and prepositions Nouns: compound nouns Nouns: countable and uncountable Nouns: forming nouns from other words Nouns: singular and plural Uncountable nouns Accommodation Equipment Furniture Information Luck and lucky News Progress Weather Noun phrases Noun phrases: dependent words Noun phrases: order Noun phrases: uses Noun phrases: noun phrases and verbs Noun phrases: two noun phrases together Pronouns Pronouns Each other, one another Everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere It Gender No one, nobody, nothing, nowhere One One and one’s Pronouns: personal (I, me, you, him, it, they, etc.) Pronouns: possessive (my, mine, your, yours, etc.) Pronouns: reflexive (myself, themselves, etc.) Pronouns: indefinite (-body, -one, -thing, -where) Pronouns: one, you, we, they Relative pronouns Questions: interrogative pronouns (what, who) Someone, somebody, something, somewhere That Quantifiers A bit All Any Both Either Enough Least, the least, at least Less Little, a little, few, a few Lots, a lot, plenty Many More Most, the most, mostly Much, many, a lot of, lots of: quantifiers No, none and none of Plenty Some Some and any Question words How What When Where Which Who, whom Whose Why Using nouns Piece words and group words Comparison: nouns (more money, the most points) Nouns and gender Reported speech: reporting nouns Age Half Holiday and holidays Mind Opinion Promise Reason Sort, type and kind Thing and stuff View Way Work (noun) Prepositions and particles Prepositions Prepositional phrases Above After, afterwards Against Among and amongst As At At, in and to (movement) At, on and in (place) At, on and in (time) Below Beneath Beyond By During For For + -ing From In front of In spite of and despite In, into Near and near to Of On, onto Over To Under Until With Within Without Using English Collocation Functions Commands and instructions Commentaries Invitations Offers Requests Greetings and farewells: hello, goodbye, Happy New Year Suggestions Telephoning Warnings Numbers Dates Measurements Number Time People and places Geographical places Names and titles: addressing people Nationalities, languages, countries and regions Place names Place and movement Abroad Away and away from Back Inside Nearby Outside Up Politeness Reported speech Reported speech Reported speech: direct speech Reported speech: indirect speech Sexist language Spoken English Pronunciation Intonation Politeness Interjections (ouch, hooray) Tags Chunks Ellipsis Headers and tails Hyperbole Vague expressions Downtoners Hedges (just) Substitution All right and alright Please and thank you Here and there Just Kind of and sort of Oh So and not with expect, hope, think, etc. So Yes Anyway Discourse markers (so, right, okay) In fact Okay, OK Well You know You see Types of English British and American English Dialect Double negatives and usage Formal and informal language Newspaper headlines Register Slang Standard and non-standard language Swearing and taboo expressions Useful phrases According to Actual and actually Approximations (around four o’clock) At all Else Hear that, see that However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever It’s time May as well and might as well More or less Of course Point of view Writing Apostrophe (’) Apposition Contractions Contrasts Detached impersonal style Internet discourse and text messages It, this and that in paragraphs Paragraphs Punctuation Speech into writing Spelling Such as Verbs Tenses and time Past Past simple (I worked) Past continuous (I was working) Past continuous or past simple? Past simple or present perfect? Used to Past perfect simple (I had worked) Past perfect continuous (I had been working) Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Past perfect simple or past simple? Past verb forms referring to the present Past: typical errors Present Present continuous (I am working) Present perfect continuous (I have been working) Present perfect simple (I have worked) Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Present perfect: typical errors Present simple (I work) Present simple or present continuous? Present: typical errors Present verb forms referring to the past Future Future: will and shall Future: be going to (I am going to work) Future: other expressions to talk about the future Future continuous (I will be working) Future in the past Future perfect continuous (I will have been working here ten years) Future perfect simple (I will have worked eight hours) Future: present continuous to talk about the future (I’m working tomorrow) Future: present simple to talk about the future (I work tomorrow) Future: typical errors Going to Verb forms Finite and non-finite verbs Imperative clauses (Be quiet!) Infinitives with and without to Infinitive: active or passive? Perfect infinitive with to (to have worked) Verbs: basic forms Verbs: formation Verb patterns Hate, like, love and prefer Hear, see, etc. + object + infinitive or -ing Help somebody (to) do Look forward to Stop + -ing form or to-infinitive Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -ing? Verb patterns: verb + that-clause Verb patterns: with and without objects Would like Would rather, would sooner Phrasal verbs and multi-word verbs Passive voice Get passive Have something done Passive: forms Passives with and without an agent Passive: uses Passive: other forms Passive: typical errors Modal verbs and modality Can Could Could, may and might Dare Had better May Might Modality: forms Modality: meanings and uses Modality: tense Modality: other verbs Modality: other modal words and expressions Must Need Ought to Shall Should Will Would Conditionals and wishes Conditionals Conditionals: if Conditionals: other expressions (unless, should, as long as) Conditionals: typical errors If only In case (of) Suppose, supposing and what if Wish Using verbs Verbs: types Verb phrases Verbs and verb phrases: typical errors Appear Ask and ask for Be Be expressions (be able to, be due to) Come Do Enable Enjoy Explain Get Go Happen Have Have got and have Hope Know Let, let’s Like Look Made from, made of, made out of, made with Make Marry and divorce Matter Mean Miss Prefer Put See Seem Suggest Take Think Want Table of irregular verbs Words, sentences and clauses Word classes and phrase classes Word formation Word formation Prefixes Suffixes Compounds Abbreviations, initials and acronyms -ish and -y Diminutives (-let, -y and mini-) Hyphens Word order and focus Word order and focus Word order: structures Cleft sentences (It was in June we got married.) Fronting Inversion No sooner Not only … but also Conjunctions and linking words And As if and as though As long as and so long as Because, because of and cos, cos of Before But Conjunctions Conjunctions: adding Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose Conjunctions: contrasting Conjunctions: time Either … or… If In order to Or Since Unless Whereas Whether While and whilst Yet Clauses and sentences Adjuncts Clauses Clauses: finite and non-finite Clause types Complements Dummy subjects Exclamations Heads Objects Sentences Subjects Subject complements Subject–verb agreement Relative clauses Relative clauses Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence Relative clauses: defining and non-defining Relative clauses: typical errors Negation Negation Neither, neither … nor and not … either Not Neither, neither … nor and not … either Not Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives Negation: two negatives Negative clauses with any, anybody, anyone, anything, anywhere Negation in non-finite clauses Negative prefixes and suffixes Negative adverbs: hardly, seldom, etc. Negation: emphasising Negation of think, believe, suppose, hope Questions Questions: alternative questions (Is it black or grey?) Questions: statement questions (you’re over 18?) Questions: two-step questions Questions: typical errors Questions: wh-questions Questions: yes-no questions (Are you feeling cold?) Questions: follow-up questions Questions: echo and checking questions Questions: short forms
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WOULD | Learn English
WOULD | Learn English
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EnglishClub :
Learn English :
Grammar :
Verbs :
Modals :
would
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Boost your English with Phrasal Verbs!would
Would is an auxiliary verb - a modal auxiliary verb. We use would mainly to:
talk about the past
talk about the future in the past
express the conditional mood
We also use would for other functions, such as:
expressing desire, polite requests and questions, opinion or hope, wish and regret
Structure of would
The basic structure for would is:
subject
+
auxiliary verb
would
+
main verb
Note that:
The auxiliary verb would is invariable. There is only one form: would
The main verb is usually in the base form (He would go).
Look at the basic structure again, with positive, negative and question sentences:
subject
auxiliary
would
not
main verb
base
+
I
would
like
tea.
-
She
would
not
go.
?
Would
you
help?
Note that the main verb is sometimes in the form:
have + past participle (He would have gone)
be + -ing (He would be going)
The main verb cannot be the to-infinitive. We cannot say: He would to like coffee.
Be careful! Note that would and had have the same short form 'd:
He'd finished = He had finished
He'd like coffee = He would like coffee
Use of would
would for the past
We often use would as a kind of past tense of will or going to:
Even as a boy, he knew that he would succeed in life.
I thought it would rain so I brought my umbrella.
Using would as as a kind of past tense of will or going to is common in reported speech:
She said that she would buy some eggs. ("I will buy some eggs.")
The candidate said that he wouldn't increase taxes. ("I won't increase taxes.")
Why didn't you bring your umbrella? I told you it would rain! ("It's going to rain.")
We often use would not to talk about past refusals:
He wanted a divorce but his wife would not agree.
Yesterday morning, the car wouldn't start.
We sometimes use would (rather like used to) when talking about habitual past behaviour:
Every weekday my father would come home from work at 6pm and watch TV.
Every summer we'd go to the seaside.
Sometimes she'd phone me in the middle of the night.
We would always argue. We could never agree.
would games for past habit
would for the future in past
When talking about the past we can use would to express something that has not happened at the time we are talking about:
In London she met the man that she would one day marry.
He left 5 minutes late, unaware that the delay would save his life.
would for conditionals
We often use would to express the so-called second and third conditionals:
If he lost his job he would have no money.
If I had won the lottery I would have bought a car.
Using the same conditional structure, we often use would when giving advice:
I wouldn't eat that if I were you.
If I were in your place I'd refuse.
If you asked me I would say you should go.
Sometimes the condition is "understood" and there does not have to be an "if" clause:
Someone who liked John would probably love John's father. (If someone liked John they would probably love John's father.)
You'd never know it. (for example: If you met him you would never know that he was rich.)
Why don't you invite Mary? I'm sure she'd come.
Although there is always a main verb, sometimes it is understood (not stated) as in:
I'd like to stay. | I wish you would. (would stay)
Do you think he'd come? | I'm sure he would. (would come)
Who would help us? | John would. (would help us)
would for desire or inclination
I'd love to live here.
Would you like some coffee?
What I'd really like is some tea.
would for polite requests and questions
Would you open the door, please? (more polite than: Open the door, please.)
Would you go with me? (more polite than: Will you go with me?)
Would you know the answer? (more polite than: Do you know the answer?)
What would the capital of Nigeria be? (more polite than: What is the capital of Nigeria?)
would for opinion or hope
I would imagine that they'll buy a new one.
I suppose some people would call it torture.
I would have to agree.
I would expect him to come.
Since you ask me I'd say the blue one is best.
would for wish
I wish you would stay. (I really want you to stay. I hope you will stay.)
They don't like me. I'm sure they wish I'd resign.
Note that all of these uses of would express some kind of distance or remoteness:
remoteness in time (past time)
remoteness of possibility or probability
remoteness between speakers (formality, politeness)
would for presumption or expectation
That would be Jo calling. I'll answer it.
We saw a police helicopter overhead yesterday morning. | Really? They would have been looking for those bank robbers.
would for uncertainty
He would seem to be getting better. (less certain than: He seems to be getting better.)
It would appear that I was wrong. (less certain than: It appears that I was wrong.)
would for derogatory comment
They would say that, wouldn't they?
John said he didn't steal the money. | Well, he would, wouldn't he?
would that for regret (poetic/rare)
This rare, poetic or literary use of would does not have the normal structure:
Would that it were true! (If only it were true! We wish that it were true!)
Would that his mother had lived to see him become president.
would Quiz
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Modals :
would
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would modal verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
would modal verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
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Definition of would modal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
would modal verb strong form /wʊd/, weak form /wəd/, /əd/ strong form /wʊd/, weak form /wəd/, /əd/Verb Formswould notwouldn't /ˈwʊdnt/ /ˈwʊdnt/
jump to other results
would you…? used in polite offers or invitationsWould you like a sandwich?Would you have dinner with me on Friday?
Take your English to the next level
The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app
used to say what you like, love, hate, etc. would like, love, hate, prefer, etc. something I'd love a coffee. would like, etc. to do something I'd be only too glad to help. would like, etc. somebody to do something I'd hate you to think I was criticizing you. would rather do something I'd rather come with you. would rather somebody did something I'd rather you came with us.Topics Preferences and decisionsa1
would do something used as the past form of will when reporting what somebody has said or thoughtHe said he would be here at eight o'clock (= His words were: ‘I will be there at eight o'clock.’).She asked if I would help.They told me that they probably wouldn't come. would do something used for talking about the result of an event that you imagineShe'd look better with shorter hair.If you went to see him, he would be delighted.Hurry up! It would be a shame to miss the beginning of the play.She'd be a fool to accept it (= if she accepted). would have done something used for describing a possible action or event that did not in fact happen, because something else did not happen firstIf I had seen the advertisement in time, I would have applied for the job.They would never have met if she hadn't gone to Emma's party. used for saying why somebody does something so that somebody/something would do something She burned the letters so that her husband would never read them. in order that somebody/something would do something He worked hard in order that he would pass all his exams. wish (that) somebody/something would do something used for saying what you want to happenI wish that you'd be quiet for a minute.
would not do something used to show that somebody/something was not willing or refused to do somethingShe wouldn't change it, even though she knew it was wrong.My car wouldn't start this morning. would you…? used to ask somebody politely to do somethingWould you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?Would you open the door for me, please? would imagine, say, think, etc. (that)… used to give opinions that you are not certain aboutI would imagine the job will take about two days.I'd say he was about fifty.Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintyb2, Opinion and argumentb2 I would… used to give adviceI wouldn't have any more to drink, if I were you.Topics Suggestions and adviceb2 would do something used for talking about things that often happened in the past synonym used toWhen my parents were away, my grandmother would take care of me.He'd always be the first to offer to help.
(usually disapproving) used for talking about behaviour that you think is typical‘She said it was your fault.’ ‘Well, she would say that, wouldn't she? She's never liked me.’ would that… (literary) used to express a strong wishWould that he had lived to see it.Grammar Point modal verbsmodal verbsThe modal verbs are can, could, may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will and would. Dare, need, have to and used to also share some of the features of modal verbs.Modal verbs have only one form. They have no -ing or -ed forms and do not add -s to the 3rd person singular form:He can speak three languages.She will try and visit tomorrow.Modal verbs are followed by the infinitive of another verb without to. The exceptions are ought to, have to and used to:You must find a job.You ought to stop smoking.I used to smoke but I gave up two years ago.Questions are formed without do/does in the present, or did in the past:Can I invite Mary?Should I have invited Mary?Negative sentences are formed with not or the short form -n’t and do not use do/does or did.You will find more help with how to use modal verbs at the dictionary entries for each verb.Grammar Point should / wouldshould / wouldIn modern English, the traditional difference between should and would in reported sentences, conditions, requests, etc. has disappeared, and should is not used very much at all. In spoken English the short form ’d is usually used:I said I’d (I would) be late.He’d (he would) have liked to have been an actor.I’d (I would) really prefer tea.The main use of should now is to tell somebody what they ought to do, to give advice, or to add emphasis:We should really go and visit them soon. You should tell her how you feel.You should have seen it! Word OriginOld English wolde, past of wyllan, of Germanic origin.See would in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee would in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic EnglishCheck pronunciation:
would
Other results
All matches
would-be adjective
it would
would love
would like to meet
would rather… (than)
would you believe (it)?
as chance would have it
how would you like it?
as luck would have it
Would you care for something?
chance would be a fine thing
Would you care to do something?
I, etc. would just as soon do something
if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
what do/would you say (to something/doing something)
I, etc. would sooner do something (than something else)
wild horses would not drag somebody somewhere, make somebody do something, etc.
See more
Idioms
would rather… (than)
would you believe (it)?
as chance would have it
how would you like it?
as luck would have it
Would you care for something?
chance would be a fine thing
Would you care to do something?
I, etc. would just as soon do something
if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
what do/would you say (to something/doing something)
I, etc. would sooner do something (than something else)
wild horses would not drag somebody somewhere, make somebody do something, etc.
See more
Nearby words
wot
wotcha exclamation
would modal verb
would-be adjective
wound1 noun
boost
verb
From the Topic
Change, cause and effect
B2
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