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 lovely 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:

Since my childhood I have always been fond of swimming. I would usually spend my summer holidays on a campsite near a river with my family. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

would sooner

C2 would prefer

Dictionary example:

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

Learner example:

However, with many living examples of unemploye[d] [people] getting by on benefits, some young people have been influenced to think that they would sooner live on benefits than work all week and receive moderate wages. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)