would · modal
would (OFTEN)
B2 used to talk about things that happened often in the past
Dictionary examples:
He would always turn and wave at the end of the street. (30.2)
would sooner
C2 would prefer
Dictionary examples:
I'd sooner spend a bit more money than take chances with safety. (36.8)
would like sth/to do sth
A1 used to say politely that you want something
Dictionary examples:
I would like a pizza hat, please. (0.0)
Would you like to hug a cactus? (0.0)
I would like a hat for my cat. (0.0)
I'd like to talk to her myself. (16.6)
I'd like a cup of coffee, please. (29.8)
Would you like ...?
A1 used to ask someone if they want something
Dictionary examples:
Would you like a pet rock? (0.0)
Would you like to swim in jelly? (0.0)
Would you like to wear a box? (0.0)
Would you like a drink? (7.0)
Would you like me to come with you? (8.4)
Would you mind ...?
B1 used to request something politely
Dictionary examples:
Would you mind helping me catch my runaway toupee? (0.0)
Would you mind helping me convince my cat I'm the boss? (0.0)
Would you mind telling my alarm clock it's the weekend? (0.0)
Would you mind sharing a room? (11.5)
would (IF)
B1 used to say what might happen if something else happens
Dictionary examples:
If homework disappeared, students would celebrate for a week straight. (0.0)
If vegetables tasted like candy, kids would eat them all day. (0.0)
If I won the lottery, I would buy a chocolate factory. (0.0)
What would you do if you lost your job? (15.3)
They knew there would be trouble unless the report was finished by the next day. (27.3)
would (IMAGINE)
B1 used to talk about a situation that you can imagine happening
Dictionary examples:
It would be amazing if my cat could do my homework. (0.0)
It would be hilarious if elephants wore tiny hats to formal parties. (0.0)
Would you believe it if pizza grew on trees? (0.0)
It would be great to go to New York. (46.1)
would (SAID/THOUGHT)
B1 used as the past form of 'will' to talk about what someone said or thought
Dictionary examples:
The teacher thought her students would enjoy homework on weekends. (0.0)
The scientist claimed his robot would do all our homework forever. (0.0)
The chef announced he would cook dinner using only a spoon. (0.0)
Archie said he would see his brother tomorrow. (29.5)
They thought that she would never recover. (33.8)
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:
My phone wouldn't stop buzzing, so I put it in the fridge. (0.0)
My alarm clock wouldn't stop ringing, so I threw it out the window. (0.0)
My homework wouldn't do itself, so I taught my dog to write. (0.0)
The car wouldn't start this morning. (18.3)
I asked her to talk to him, but she wouldn't. (18.8)
would love sth
A2 used to say that you would very much like something
Dictionary examples:
He would love a magic pen that writes correct answers. (0.0)
We would love a robot that does our homework. (0.0)
She would love a book that reads itself aloud. (0.0)
I'd love to be an actor. (9.1)
I'd love some chocolate right now! (11.4)
would rather
B1 used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another
Dictionary examples:
I would rather eat a cactus than listen to another boring meeting. (0.0)
I would rather eat my homework than do another math problem. (0.0)
Would you rather have a pet elephant or a tiny giraffe? (0.0)
I'd rather have a beer. (13.5)
Which would you rather do - go swimming or play tennis? (19.5)
Wouldn't you rather finish it tomorrow? (31.8)
would love to (do sth)
A2 used to say that you would very much like to do something that someone has suggested
Dictionary examples:
I would love to have a robot to do my homework! (0.0)
I would love to speak to animals. Meow! Woof! (0.0)
Would you love to have a chocolate swimming pool? Yum! (0.0)
"Would you like to come to the concert with us?" "I'd love to." (9.6)
We'd love to go to the beach - thanks for inviting us. (36.2)