Pronunciation

/wʊd/

Definitions

• Modal verb: Would is a modal auxiliary verb used to express possibility, desire, or hypothetical situations.
• Past tense of will: In questions and conditional statements, it combines with the base form of the main verb to form questions about future actions or hypothetical events. For example: “I would go if it were sunny.”
• Indicates a polite request: Would is often used to make polite requests or suggestions, like “Would you mind passing the salt?”
• Potential or ability: It can also be used to describe someone’s potential or ability, like “She would make a great team leader.”

Phrases

• “Would you like…?” is a polite way to ask for something.
• “If I were you, I would…” suggests a hypothetical course of action.
• “I would have done it differently” expresses regret about a past action.

Example Sentences

• Desire: “I would love to go on vacation this summer.”
• Conditional statement: “If it rains, I would stay inside.”
• Polite request: “Would you please pass the salt?”

Synonyms

• Should
• Could
• Might
• Intend to
• Would rather

Note: The last synonym “Would rather” is not a direct synonym but implies a preference over another option.