Verbs_would_2.2.1.2.3

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2.2.1.2.3 would

Would is a multi-function modal auxiliary verb. In addition to being the past tense of will, would is served as a modal verb in many other situations, often in present tense.

2.2.1.2.3.1 Past Tense of will or going to. For example:

I thought it would rain so I brought my umbrella.
Why didn’t you bring your umbrella? I told you it would rain! (It’s going to rain.)
She said that she would buy some eggs. (reported speech)

2.2.1.2.3.2 Talking about habitual or repeated action. For example:

Every summer we would go to the beach.
We would always argue. We could never agree.

(Mok: In The Elements of Style, chapter 4, William Strunk wrote, “...But when the idea of habit or repetition is expressed, in such phrases as once a year, every day, each Sunday, the past tense, without would, is usually sufficient, and, from its brevity, more emphatic.” So one could also use simple past tense for habitual or repeated action.)

2.2.1.2.3.3 Future in the past

When talking about the past we can use would to express something that has not happened at the time of speech. For example:

In London she met the man whom she would one day marry.
He told his friends that he would be coming in late for the party.

2.2.1.2.3.4 2nd and 3rd Conditionals. For example:

If he lost his job he would have no money. (2nd conditional)
If Philip had arrived earlier, he would have seen you. (3rd conditional)

2.2.1.2.3.5 Giving advice in conditional structure (in the present). For example:

I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
If you like a nice dimsum place, my personal recommendation would be the restaurant at L'hotel Nina.

2.2.1.2.3.6 Expressing desire or inclination (in the present). For example:

I would love to come.
What I would really like is some sweet potato.

2.2.1.2.3.7 Expressing opinion or hope (in the present). For example:

I suppose some people would call it grace.
I would expect him to come.

2.2.1.2.3.8 Expressing presumption or expectation (in the present). For example:

That would be Jojo calling. I’ll answer it.
That would be Jackie at the door.

2.2.1.2.3.9 Used with “wish.” For example:

I wish you would stay. (vs: I hope you will stay. I want you to stay.)
“8 things an anxious child never wants to hear you say, and what they wish you would say and do
instead.” -- Janis Gioia

2.2.1.2.3.10 Polite requests and questions (in the present). For example:

Would you open the door, please?
Would you happen to know the answer?

2.2.1.2.3.11 Expressing uncertainty. For example:

He would seem to be getting better. (less certain than: He seems to be getting better.)
I would go if I could afford it. (Mok: Not sure if this example is right. My brain is stuffed now!)

2.2.1.2.3.12 Expressing derogation (in the present or in the past). For example:

Sure, they would say that, wouldn’t they?
Jackson said he didn’t steal the money. / Well, he would (say it), wouldn’t he?

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