would - definition modal verb British English pronunciation: would /wʊd/ Would is usually followed by an infinitive without to: A picnic would be nice. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive: They didnt do as much as they said they would. In conversation and informal writing, would is often shortened to d: I thought youd like a drink before dinner. 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 wouldnt: I wouldnt want to have your job. Would is often used in question tags: You wouldnt lie to me, would you? Would has no tenses, no participles, and no infinitive form. There is no past tense, but would have followed by a past participle can be used for talking about actions that did not happen: She would have bought the house if she had been able to afford it (=she did not buy it). In some cases would can be used as the past tense of will, for example in indirect speech introduced by a verb in the past tense: I promised that I would visit her the next day. Related dictionary definitions would-be adjective wouldve short form would like would rather would you mind would rather die would die first would you like...? would you believe it? you would not believe it would be an honour how would you like...? as luck would have it I would prefer it if that would be telling it/that would never do I would be obliged (if) who would have thought...? would be better doing something more dictionary definitions •Usage note 1 used for talking about what was going to happen in the past a. 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. Most analysts expected that there would be a change in policy. Our plan isnt going to work. I never thought it would. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would b. used for talking about something that was going to happen after a particular point in the past Here she met the man who would one day become her husband. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 2 used for talking about the possible results of a situation that is unlikely to happen or that did not happen Id travel first class if I could afford it. What would happen if there was an earthquake? would have done something: If Id known you were coming, Id have got your room ready. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 3 used for saying or asking what someone thinks about a possible situation You wouldnt recognize the place now – its changed so much. It would be fun to have a beach party. Its no use talking to Henry – he wouldnt understand. Why would anyone want to kill Jerry? Where would he have hidden the keys? I could lend you some – would fifty pounds be enough? Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 4 used for saying what someone used to do in the past The Campbells would sometimes invite us over for the weekend. On winter evenings wed all sit around the fire. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 5 spoken used when criticizing someone by saying that a particular action is typical of someone Sylvia said it was your fault. Well, Sylvia would say that, wouldnt she? Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 6 used for politely asking someone to do something or to let you do something Would someone please help me move the piano? would you mind doing something: Would you mind waiting outside? would it be all right/okay if...: Would it be all right if I used your phone? Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 7 spoken used when making a polite offer or invitation Would you like a cup of coffee or something? Would anyone care for a game of tennis? Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 8 to be willing a. used when you think someone is willing to do something Bruce would lend you the money, Im sure. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would b. [always in negatives] used for saying that someone refused to do something on a particular occasion I asked her to help me, but she wouldnt. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would c. used for saying that someone was always willing to do something at a time in the past During the war people would gladly do extra duties. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 9 used for politely saying what someone wants to do or wishes they could do would like/love/prefer etc to do something: I think David would like to see you alone. Come and spend Christmas with us. Id love to, but I cant. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would 10 spoken used for advising someone to do something or for suggesting that they do it Id go carefully if I were you. It would be wise to discuss this with your bank manager. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would phrases • I wish someone/something would do something used for saying that you want something to happen or you want a situation to change I wish it would stop raining. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would • I would think/imagine/hope etc spoken used for saying that you think or hope that something is true, although you are not certain I would imagine shes at work. Id have thought theyd be grateful for your help. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would • something would not work/start/open etc used for saying that you could not make something do what it was meant to although you tried I turned the switch, but the motor wouldnt start. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would • would that literary used for saying that you wish that something were true, especially when you know that it is impossible Would that all questions were so easy to answer! Thesaurus entry for this meaning of would Usage note: would In requests and offers would can be used with the same meaning as will but in a more polite or less definite way: Would/Will you please help me? ♦ I would/will be glad to answer any questions. Should is sometimes used instead of would when the subject is I or we: We would/should be grateful if you would send us more information. ♦ I would/should think you are tired after your long journey.
Posted on: Fri, 09 May 2014 10:35:50 +0000
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