- would
- wouldW1S1 [wud] modal v negative short form wouldn't▬▬▬▬▬▬▬1¦(past intentions/expectations)¦2¦(imagined situations)¦3¦(past habits)¦4¦(requesting)¦5¦(offering/inviting)¦6¦(what somebody wants)¦7¦(past purpose)¦8 would not9¦(advice)¦10 I would think/imagine/say11¦(typical behaviour)¦12 would that ...▬▬▬▬▬▬▬[: Old English; Origin: wolde]1.) ¦(PAST INTENTIONS/EXPECTATIONS)¦used to say what someone intended to do or expected to happen▪ They said they would meet us at 10.30 at the station.▪ She said she wouldn't be coming to the library any more.▪ Arnold knew he would be tired the next day.▪ It would soon be dark.2.) ¦(IMAGINED SITUATIONS)¦a) used when talking about a possible situation that you imagine or want to happen▪ What would you do if you won a million pounds?▪ I'd be amazed if I got the job.▪ I wish they'd come and visit us.▪ If only he would listen to me.b) used when talking about something that did not happen, or a situation that cannot exist▪ Everything would be very different if your father were still alive.▪ I would have phoned you, but there wasn't time.▪ Alex would never have found out if you hadn't told him.▪ What would have happened if I hadn't been here?3.) ¦(PAST HABITS)¦used to say that something happened often or regularly in the past▪ When we worked in the same office, we would often have coffee together.▪ On summer evenings they would sit out in the garden.4.) ¦(REQUESTING)¦spoken used to ask someone politely to do something▪ Would you shut the window, please?▪ Would you mind waiting outside?▪ Would someone please tell me what is going on?5.) ¦(OFFERING/INVITING)¦spoken used to offer something to someone or invite them somewhere politely▪ Would you like a coffee?▪ We're going to the theatre this evening. Would you be interested in coming?6.) ¦(WHAT SOMEBODY WANTS)¦spoken used to say that someone wants something or wants to do somethingwould like/love/prefer▪ Yes, please, I'd love a coffee.▪ My parents would like to meet you.▪ Claudia would have liked to refuse (=wanted to refuse) , but she didn't dare.▪ I'd hate (=I do not want) to disappoint you.would rather/sooner(=used to say what someone prefers)▪ I'd rather stay in this evening, if that's all right with you.7.) ¦(PAST PURPOSE)¦used after 'so that' to show that someone was trying to make something happen or prevent something▪ We packed all the books in wooden boxes so that they wouldn't get damaged.8.) would nota) used to say that someone refused to do something▪ He wouldn't give us any money.b) used to say that something did not happen, even though someone was trying to make it happen▪ The door wouldn't open, no matter how hard she pushed.9.) ¦(ADVICE)¦spoken used when giving or asking for advice▪ I'd try to get there early if you can.▪ I would talk to the doctor if I were you .▪ What would you do if you were in my position?10.) I would think/imagine/sayspoken used to give your opinion about something when you are not very sure about it▪ I would think you'd be happier in a different school.▪ 'Will it cost a lot?' 'I would imagine so.'11.) ¦(TYPICAL BEHAVIOUR)¦spoken used to say that an action is typical or expected - usually used to show disapproval▪ You would go and spoil it, wouldn't you!▪ She insists that she did nothing wrong, but then she would say that, wouldn't she?12.) would that ...literary used to express a strong wish or desire= ↑if only▪ Would that we had seen her before she died.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.
