would

[wʊd]

would Definition

  • 1used to indicate the consequence or result of an imagined or hypothetical situation
  • 2used to make a polite request or offer
  • 3used to express a wish or desire

Using would: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "would" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    If I had more money, I would travel the world.

  • Example

    Would you mind passing me the salt?

  • Example

    I wish it would stop raining.

would Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for would

Phrases with would

  • used to indicate an unrealized or hypothetical event in the past

    Example

    If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

  • used to express a preference for one thing over another

    Example

    I would rather stay home than go out tonight.

  • used to introduce a surprising or unlikely fact

    Example

    Would you believe that he's never been on a plane before?

Origins of would

from Old English 'wolde', past tense of 'willan', meaning 'to will'

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Summary: would in Brief

The modal verb 'would' [wʊd] is used to indicate the result of an imagined or hypothetical situation, as in 'If I had more money, I would travel the world.' It is also used to make polite requests or offers, such as 'Would you mind passing me the salt?' and to express wishes or desires, as in 'I wish it would stop raining.' 'Would' can be used in phrases like 'would have' to indicate an unrealized or hypothetical event in the past.

How do native speakers use this expression?