would

Used to describe what might happen in an imagined situation or if a condition were met.

• That would be nice.
• I would buy it if it cost less.
• What would you do with a million pounds?

How to use it: would + base verb + if + past tense (I would go if I had time.); would have + past participle (She would have stayed if you had asked.)

Common phrases: would be nice, would help someone, would buy something

Used to report something that someone planned or decided to do later.

• She said she would help.
• I decided I would leave after lunch.
• They promised they would bring some food.

How to use it: said/promised + that + subject + would + verb (He promised that he would call.)

Common phrases: would call someone, would come back, would help someone

Used for something that was still in the future at a past moment.

• It would soon be dark.
• She knew the train would arrive late.
• That boy would later become a famous writer.

How to use it: would + base verb (Nobody knew what would happen next.)

Common phrases: would soon happen, would later become, would arrive tomorrow

Used to politely ask someone to do something.

• Would you help me?
• Would you please speak more slowly?
• Would you mind carrying this bag?

How to use it: would you + base verb? (Would you pass the salt?); would you mind + -ing? (Would you mind closing the door?)

Similar words: could

Common phrases: would you please, would you mind

Used to politely offer someone something or invite them to do something.

• Would you like a biscuit?
• Would you like to have lunch with us?
• Would anyone like another cup of coffee?

How to use it: would you like + noun? (Would you like some tea?); would you like to + verb? (Would you like to join us?)

Common phrases: would you like, would anyone like

Used for actions someone did regularly in the past.

• We would play outside after school.
• Grandma would always bring us sweets.
• On Sundays, Dad would cook a big breakfast.

How to use it: would + base verb for repeated past actions (Every evening, we would walk by the river.)

Similar words: used to

Common phrases: would often visit, would always say, would play outside