- would
- [[t]wʊd[/t]] unstressed [[t]wəd[/t]]v.1) a pt. of will I2) (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]•usage: See should
From formal English to slang. 2014.