would */*/*/

UK [wʊd] / US modal verb

Summary:

Would is usually followed by an infinitive without "to": A picnic would be nice. Sometimes it is used without a following infinitive: They didn't do as much as they said they would. In conversation and informal writing, would is often shortened to 'd: I thought you'd 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 wouldn't: I wouldn't want to have your job.
Would is often used in question tags: You wouldn't 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.
Collocations:
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.

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 isn't going to work." "I never thought it 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.

2) used for talking about results of an unlikely situation used for talking about the possible results of a situation that is unlikely to happen or that did not happen

I'd travel first class if I could afford it.

What would happen if there was an earthquake?

would have done something:

If I'd known you were coming, I'd have got your room ready.

3) used for asking or giving opinions used for saying or asking what someone thinks about a possible situation

You wouldn't recognize the place now – it's changed so much.

It would be fun to have a beach party.

It's no use talking to Henry – he wouldn't 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?

4) used for talking about past habits used for saying what someone used to do in the past

The Campbells would sometimes invite us over for the weekend.

On winter evenings we'd all sit around the fire.

5) spoken used for criticizing someone's behaviour 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, wouldn't she?"

6) used in requests 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?

7) spoken used for offering something 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?

8) to be willing

a) used when you think someone is willing to do something

Bruce would lend you the money, I'm sure.

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 wouldn't.

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.

9) used for saying what someone wants 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." "I'd love to, but I can't."

10) spoken used for offering advice or suggestions used for advising someone to do something or for suggesting that they do it

I'd go carefully if I were you.

It would be wise to discuss this with your bank manager.

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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.

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 she's at work.

I'd have thought they'd be grateful for your help.

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 wouldn't start.

- would that