Will vs. Would
Last Updated :
17 Jan, 2024
Will and would are two important modal verbs in English grammar. Both of them are used to express a future action, but they are not interchangeable. Will is used to talk about actions that are certain to happen in the future, while would is used to talk about actions that are conditional or hypothetical.
Will vs Would
Meaning of Will
Will is a modal verb used to express a future action that is certain to happen. It is used to make predictions, promises, offers, and requests. It is also used to express willingness, determination, and intention.
Usage of Will
- Used to express future certainty
- Used to make predictions
- Used to express willingness
- Used to make promises
- Used to express determination
- Used to offer something
Examples of Will
- I will meet you at the airport at 7 pm.
- I will graduate from college next year.
- I will help you with your project.
- I will always love you.
- I will buy you a gift.
- I will pass this exam.
- It will rain tomorrow.
- He will get a promotion next month.
- They will win the game tonight.
- She will study law in college.
- We will travel to Europe next year.
- He will never forget his first love.
Meaning of Would
Would is a modal verb used to express a future action that is conditional or hypothetical. It is used to talk about situations that may or may not happen in the future, or to make polite requests, offers, or suggestions.
Usage of Would
- Used to express a hypothetical situation
- Used to make a polite request
- Used to make a polite suggestion
- Used to talk about past habits
- Used to make a polite offer
Examples of Would
- If I had more money, I would travel the world.
- Would you please pass the salt?
- Would you like to join us for dinner?
- When I was a child, I would play outside every day.
- Would you like some coffee?
- She would always read a book before going to bed.
- Would you mind closing the window?
- He would never eat sushi before, but now he loves it.
Differences between Will and Would
Will |
Would |
Used to express future certainty |
Used to express a hypothetical situation |
Used to make predictions, promises, offers, and requests |
Used to make polite requests, offers, or suggestions |
Used to express willingness, determination, and intention |
Used to express a wish or desire |
Used to offer something |
Used to talk about past habits |
Used to talk about future events or actions that are certain to happen |
Used to talk about future events or actions that are conditional or hypothetical |
Indicates strong likelihood |
Indicates possibility or uncertainty |
Used to talk about the present or immediate future |
Used to talk about situations in the past or in the distant future |
Used in formal contexts |
Used in more informal contexts |
Can be used to express willingness or permission |
Can be used to express hypothetical or imaginary situations |
Can be used to make a request or suggestion |
Can be used to express preferences or habits |
Conveys a sense of confidence or assurance |
Conveys a sense of doubt or hesitation |
Does not change form regardless of the subject |
Changes form depending on the subject |
Used to talk about obligations or duties |
Not typically used to talk about obligations or duties |
Commonly used in future tense constructions |
Commonly used in conditional or subjunctive constructions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, “will” and “would” are two important modal verbs in English grammar that are used to express future actions in different ways.Â
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