MODAL: WOULD

MODAL VERB: 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

"I would like tea"

Note that:

1. The auxiliary verb would is invariable.

2. There is only one form: would

3. The main verb is usually in the base form (He would go).

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.

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.

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.

Multiple Choice

___ I eat and drink on the bus?

We can use these

• Can

• Could

• Would

• May

Multiple Choice

Andi : ___ you explain it once more, Sir? I’m still confused.

Teacher : Of course.

• Would

• May

• Shall

• Must

Multiple Choice

Which word represents a condition?

• would

• Wood

• Should

• Might

Multiple Choice

I would like to win one million dollars. This is a...

• Preference

• desire or a wish

• Obligation

• Permission

Multiple Choice

I _________ like to buy the same television for my house. 

• could
• must
• would
• have to