Uses of Would

Even as a boy, he knew that he would succeed in life.

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• a polite request or response

• to talk about the future in the past

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

He wanted a divorce but his wife would not agree.

• a polite request or response

• to describe a habitual action in the past

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

We would always argue. We could never agree.

• to describe a habitual action in the past

• to talk about the future in the past

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

I would have hoped that you'd finish by today.

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

• a polite request or response

• to soften an opinion or hope

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

Yesterday morning, the car wouldn't start.

• to describe a habitual action in the past

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• a polite request or response

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

Since you ask me I'd say the blue one is best.

• a polite request or response

• to soften an opinion or hope

• to talk about the future in the past

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

Would you open the door, please?

• to indicate refusal to do something in the past

• to talk about the future in the past

• a polite request or response

• to soften an opinion or hope

He left 5 minutes late, unaware that the delay would save his life.

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• to describe a habitual action in the past

• to talk about the future in the past

• to soften an opinion or hope

I wouldn't eat that if I were you.

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• to soften an opinion or hope

• to talk about the future in the past

• to describe a habitual action in the past

My dad would read me amazing stories every night at bedtime.

• a polite request or response

• to describe a habitual action in the past

• conditional, to describe a hypothetical situation

• to soften an opinion or hope