Unit 32: WOULD
Would is a modal verb. Unit 27 shows you how to make correct sentences with it. This unit shows you when to use it. Notice that -'d is the short form.
Imaginary situations
PRESENT AND FUTURE
EXAMPLES:
If we hadn't met that time, I wouldn't be here now.
(But we met, so I am here now.)
I think he would find the movie very interesting.
ADVICE
EXAMPLES:
What would you do in my place?
If I were you, I'd take a long holiday.
NOTICE: ALSO must and should (Unit 33)
PAST TIME
EXAMPLES:
They wouldn't have lost if John had been playing for them.
(But he wasn't playing.)
If I'd known you were coming, I would have stayed longer.
(But I didn't know, so I left.)
Would + like
ASKING
EXAMPLE:
I'd like some information, please.
want, but it is more polite
OFFERS AND INVITATIONS
EXAMPLES:
Would you like some coffee?
Would you like to join us?
NOTICE: ALSO can (Unit 28) will (Unit 31)
Polite commands
EXAMPLE:
Would you open that suitcase, please, madam?
Past tense of will
REFUSAL
EXAMPLE:
My car wouldn't start this morning. (Unit 31)
We use would (NOT will) in sentences with a past-tense verb before the modal (Unit 63).
EXAMPLES:
He asked me if I would mail a letter for him. (Unit 31)
I thought I would visit my parents this weekend. (Unit 31)
They said they would be writing to me soon. (Unit 31)
