would
Translation
would
Examples
I would like some tea.
I would like some tea.
If I were rich, I would buy a house.
If I were rich, I would buy a house.
She would visit them every summer.
She would visit them every summer.
Grammar Patterns
((base verb)) used to express a hypothetical situation He said he would help.
((like to-inf)) used for polite offers and requests I would like to order now.
If ((past tense)), ... would ((base verb)) used in second conditional sentences If I knew, I would tell you.
Similar Words
Synonyms: could, should, might
Etymology
From Old English 'wolde', the past tense of 'willan' meaning 'to wish, to will'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'would' as a softer, more polite, or more hypothetical version of 'will'. It's often used in conditional 'if' sentences.