would

verb

wəd,

əd,

d,

ˈwu̇d 

past tense of will

1

—used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention

said we would come

2

: should

knew I would enjoy the trip

would be glad to know the answer

3

—used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice

would put it off if he could

4

—used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time

would have won if I had not tripped

5

—used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected

would you please help us

6

—used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference

he would sooner die than face them

7

a

—used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility

if he were coming, he would be here now

b

—used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (such as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice)

we wish that he would go

8

—used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action

we would meet often for lunch

9

: could

the barrel would hold 20 gallons

10

—used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty

the explanation … would seem satisfactory

11

a

—used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent

those who would forbid gambling

b

—used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference

as ye would that men should do to you

—Luke 6:31 (King James Version)

12

a

: strongly desire : wish

I would I were young again

—often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction

would that I had heeded your advice

b

archaic : wished, desired

c

archaic : wish for : want

Examples of would in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whenever the Patriots were in it, Jason would go with Devin and act as the family liaison. —Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2023

Trudeau said Canadian forces would recover the wreckage for study. —Adn News Service and Staff Reports, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Feb. 2023

Even while watching last year's Super Bowl, Bill Richards was planning how this year's pregame show would look. —Joe Reedy, ajc, 11 Feb. 2023

Over the years, the 15-year-old lost hope that would change. —Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wolde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wolta wished, desired

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 12b

Kids Definition

would

verb

wəd 

əd,

d,

(ˈ)wu̇d

past of will

1

: strongly desire : wish

I would I were young again

2

—used as a helping verb to express (1) preference or willingness

I would sooner go than stay

, (2) wish or intent

those who would forbid free speech

, (3) plan or intention

said they would come

, (4) custom or usual behavior

we would meet often for lunch

, (5) consent or choice

would put it off if they could

, (6) possibility

if they were coming, they would be here now

, (7) completion of a statement of desire, request, or advice

I wish that you would go

, or (8) probability or likelihood in past or present time

would have won if she had not tripped

3

: could

the pitcher would hold two liters

4

—used as a helping verb to word a polite request or to show doubt or uncertainty

would you please help us

the explanation would seem satisfactory

5

: should

knew I would enjoy the trip

would be glad to know the answer