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Will vs. Would

Last Updated : 17 Jan, 2024
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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

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. 


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