Modal verbs: would

This is the fourth post in my series on modal verbs. Today I'm going to look at the different uses of "would". Make sure you look at this post about will too so you can compare will and would.

We use "would" to talk about:
1. Past habits
We would always have lunch together on Sundays.
When I was a child, I would read for hours.
2. Polite requests
Would you close the window, please?
Would you pass the salt?
3. Polite invitations and offers
Would you like to come to our party?
Would you like some cake?
4. To say what you want politely
I would like some coffee, please.
I'd prefer not to talk about it if you don't mind.
5. "The future in the past"
I thought she would help me.
They told me they would be late.
6. Something hypothetical or imaginary
I wouldn't like to be a doctor.
I wish he would phone me!
7. Second conditional
If it wasn't raining, we'd go for a walk.
I'm sorry. I'd help you if I had time.


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