would*/*/*/

[wʊd]

modal verb summary: ■ 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 has no tenses, no participles, and no infinitive form. 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.

1) for talking about what was going to happen in the past 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.[/ex]

2) 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.[/ex]

If I'd known you were coming, I 'd have got your room ready.[/ex]

3) 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.[/ex]

Why would anyone want to kill Jerry?[/ex]

4) 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.[/ex]

5) in requests and offers used for politely asking someone for something, or for offering them something

Would you like a cup of coffee or something?[/ex]

Would you mind waiting outside?[/ex]

Would it be all right if I used your phone?[/ex]

6) to be willing used when you think that someone is willing to do something

Bruce would lend you the money, I'm sure.[/ex]

7) for saying what sb wants used for saying what someone wants to do, or wishes that they could do

I wish it would stop raining.[/ex]

I think David would like to see you alone.[/ex]

•

sth would not work/start/open etc — used for saying that you could not make something do what it was meant to do, although you tried[/ex]

I turned the switch, but the motor wouldn't start.[/ex]