Would vs Will

In English there is a significant difference between the uses of would and will. Knowing when to use the terms correctly is an important part of mastering the English language.

Will and would are both types of auxiliary verbs that are known as modal verbs. Other modal verbs include: could, shall, might, may, can, ought to and must. Modal verbs don’t really have any meaning on their own, but act as helpers to give further meaning to other verbs.

Will is used in future structures.
1. Statement referring to the future – fact, timetable, etc.

- We’ll (= we will) have two extra lessons this afternoon. - It will be Tuesday tomorrow. - Their bus will leave at 7.30.

2. Instant decision

- The phone is ringing, I’ll go and answer it. - What will you eat? I’ll have roast beef.

3. Request

- Will you tell your father that we expect him for dinner? - Will you copy this file and print it for yourself?

4. Promise, offer, prediction

- I will always love you. - Can’t you do your homework? Don’t worry, I’ll come and help you. - Don’t trust her, she will always tell you lies.

5. Open condition

- We’ll go fishing at the weekend if the weather is good.

Would:

“

Would

” has several functions. First, it functions as thepast tense of “will”.

Second, it functions as the conditional mood of “will”. Third, it is used to be polite. The

negative of would is “would not” or the contraction “wouldn’t” :

Example:

I would try to act like my father when I was young.

In this example “would” functions as the past tense of “will”.

Example:

I would get a tan if I worked at the pool.

In this example “would” functions as the conditional mood of “will”

 

Example:

I would like more tea please.

In this example “would” is used to be polite.

Directions:

Circle the correct auxiliary modal verb in each sentence