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Would 2
Would is a
modal verb expressing some kind of imaginary
or hypothetical situation. Here are some more
uses of would continuing from the previous
unit.
Wish ... Would
Wish...would is used when the speaker
wants a present situation to be different. The
speaker is dissatisfied with the situation and
believes that the thing wished for is unlikely
to actually happen. For example:
- I wish Jane would call me.
- I wish they would stop fighting.
- I wish the dog would stop barking.
- I wish the dog wouldn't keep barking.
Because wish...would
is often used to complain, it's unusual to use
this structure to talk about yourself. For example:
- "I wish I'd study more." This is
unusual though not incorrect.
Wish...would
is used for actions, but not normally for states.
- I wish I had more time. To "have"
something is a state not an action, so we use
the past tense "had".
- I wish I would have more time. Incorrect
- I wish I knew the answer.
- I wish I would know the answer. Incorrect
Would rather
Would rather
+ verb (base form) is used to express a preference.
It often implies that we don't like other available
choices. For example:
- "Let's go shopping this evening".
"Oh, I'd rather go tomorrow."
(And I don't want to go this evening)
- "Which book would you rather buy?"
"I'd rather buy this one. That one
isn't so good."
Would rather
is also used with the past simple when giving
a strong request, usually with some authority.
- Can I meet John after lunch, Mom?" "Yes,
but I'd rather you did your homework
first".
- "I'd rather you didn't tell anyone
about the party. It's going to be a surprise."
All structures with
would rather are more often found in
British English.
Would mind
Would mind
is used to make a polite request. For example:
- "Would you mind closing
the window?"
- "Would you mind waiting
a few minutes? I need to buy some stamps."
- "Would you mind if we didn't
come tonight? We're just really tired, that's
all."
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Click below for exercises
using would.
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