Would and will

Modal verbs: will and would

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

Requests

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?"

Unreal situationsWould 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)

Exercise 1: Will or Would

Exercise 2: Choose the best modal for each sentence.