Language Research

would · modal verb

/wʊd/Full view

would like sth/to do sth

A1 used to say politely that you want something

Dictionary examples:

I'd like a cup of coffee, please.

I'd like to talk to her myself.

Learner example:

I'd like fish and chips (but not too fat[ty]!) (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

Would you like ...?

A1 used to ask someone if they want something

Dictionary examples:

Would you like a drink?

Would you like me to come with you?

Learner example:

Would you like to come? (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Kurdish)

would love sth

A2 used to say that you would very much like something

Dictionary examples:

I'd love some chocolate right now!

I'd love to be an actor.

Learner example:

I'd love some chop[s] and beer. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

would love to (do sth)

A2 used to say that you would very much like to do something that someone has suggested

Dictionary examples:

"Would you like to come to the concert with us?" "I'd love to."

We'd love to go to the beach - thanks for inviting us.

Learner example:

Yes, I'd love to come with you. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

would (IF)

B1 used to say what might happen if something else happens

Dictionary examples:

What would you do if you lost your job?

They knew there would be trouble unless the report was finished by the next day.

Learner example:

I was just wondering if you would ask me that, because if you didn't, I would - I just love shopping! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

would (SAID/THOUGHT)

B1 used as the past form of 'will' to talk about what someone said or thought

Dictionary examples:

Archie said he would see his brother tomorrow.

They thought that she would never recover.

Learner example:

He said to me he would like to come back soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

would (WILLING/ABLE)

B1 used as the past form of 'will' to talk about what someone was willing to do or what something was able to do

Dictionary examples:

The car wouldn't start this morning.

I asked her to talk to him, but she wouldn't.

Learner example:

My parents wouldn't let me stay in a hotel alone. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Serbian)

would (IMAGINE)

B1 used to talk about a situation that you can imagine happening

Dictionary example:

It would be great to go to New York.

Learner example:

It would be great to join you and your friends in the mountains. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

Would you mind ...?

B1 used to request something politely

Dictionary example:

Would you mind sharing a room?

Learner example:

Would you mind if I called you, to know what I've missed? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

would rather

B1 used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another

Dictionary examples:

I'd rather have a beer.

Which would you rather do - go swimming or play tennis?

Wouldn't you rather finish it tomorrow?

would (OFTEN)

B2 used to talk about things that happened often in the past

Dictionary example:

He would always turn and wave at the end of the street.

Learner example:

Every day we would walk and swi[m] very early. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

would sooner

C2 would prefer

Dictionary example:

I'd sooner spend a bit more money than take chances with safety.

Learner example:

She had already told Peter Jennings from ABC news she would sooner stay at home! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)