would

[[t]wʊd[/t]] unstressed [[t]wəd[/t]]

v.

1) a pt. of will I

2) (used to express the future in past sentences):

He said he would go tomorrow[/ex]

3) (used in place of will, to make a statement or form a question less direct or blunt):

That would scarcely be fair. Would you be so kind?[/ex]

4) (used to express repeated or habitual action in the past):

We would visit Grandma every morning up at the farm[/ex]

5) (used to express an intention or inclination):

Nutritionists would have us all eat whole grains[/ex]

6) (used to express a wish):

Would that she were here![/ex]

7) (used to express an uncertainty):

It would appear that he is guilty[/ex]

8) (used in conditional sentences to express choice or possibility):

They would come if they had the fare. If the temperature were higher, the water would evaporate[/ex]

9) (used with the present perfect to express unfulfilled intention or preference):

I would have saved you some but the children took it all[/ex]

•

- would like

usage: See should