Modal verbs: will and would

Would is the past form of will. It's a modal auxiliary verb.

In indirect speech, would is used after the reporting verb (said, asked) where will was used in direct speech:

Direct speech: "Will you manage to be there by 5?"
Indirect speech: She asked whether I would manage to be there by 5.

Direct speech: "I'm sorry, but I won't have time to help you."
Indirect speech: He said he wouldn't have time to help us.

Would is used when we imagine a situation or action. Compare:

"I'll have lunch now. Things are really quiet." (spontaneous decision, certain)
"I'd have lunch now, but Sandra's not back yet." (unreal situation)

In requests, would is used as a softer, more polite form of will. Compare the sentences below.

"Will you send the details to Henry?"
"Would you send the details to Henry?"

"Will you let me know when you arrive?"
"Would you let me know when you arrive?"

Now try the exercise on the next page.

Dagmar Taylor