Modal Verbs – Would

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grammar form: modal + base verb

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A modal verb is a helping, or auxiliary verb.

There are many auxiliary verbs, but there are only 9 modal verbs.

The modal verbs are always followed by a base verb.

The modal verbs are:

can, could, will, would, may, might, must, shall & should

Most of the modals have several definitions.  Here are some of the common meanings for the modal WOULD.

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Definition #1 (would): for an imagined event in the future

example (in a conditional sentence):

If I won a million dollars, I would travel.

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Definition #2 (would): for desires for the future

examples:

I would like to travel.

I would like to improve my life.

Definition #3 (would): for willingness the future

examples:

I can’t believe you went bungee jumping! I would never do that!

Definition #4 (would): for polite requests

examples:

I would like some coffee. (STATEMENT)

Would you like more coffee? (YES/NO QUESTION)

What would you like to drink? (INFORMATION QUESTION)

Definition #5 (would): the PAST of WILL

I. for REFUSALS:

examples:

They wouldn’t refund her money.

I wanted to go on vacation last year, but my boss wouldn’t give me time off work.

II. for REPORTED SPEECH

examples:

She said she would never speak to me again.

He said that he would be here at six o’clock. I wonder where he is.

Definition #6 (would): for PAST typical behavour/actions

examples:

When I was a child, my mother would put coins in my birthday cakes.

We used to go on a summer vacation every year. We would often go camping.

More Modal Verb Help

WOULD is often contracted, especially in spoken English.

For example:

• I would = I’d
• You would = You’d
• He would = He’d
• She would = She’d
• They would = They’d
• We would = We’d

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