American English

How to pronounce would

auxiliaryB1Very common word

WUD

/wʊd̚/

One syllable.

Used to describe the result of an imagined situation, now, later, or in the past.

What to listen for

“Would” is pronounced /wʊd̚/ when you say it alone or emphasize it. In natural connected speech, the vowel may become very short or disappear: /wd̚/.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

auxiliary

Used to describe the result of an imagined situation, now, later, or in the past.

If I had more time, I would travel more.

If she had called, I would have answered.

Good to know

After would, the next verb does not change. For a past result, use would have + past participle.

Common phrases & grammar

would be better · would make sense · would be possible · would have been

If + subject + past-tense verb, subject + would + base verb

If + subject + had + past participle, subject + would have + past participle

auxiliary

Used at the start of a question to make a request, offer, or invitation more polite.

Would you open the window, please?

Would you like some coffee?

Good to know

Use Would you like ...? for a wish now, and Do you like ...? for a general preference.

Common phrases & grammar

would you mind · would you like · would you please

Would + subject + base verb ...?

Would + subject + like + noun/to + base verb ...?

auxiliary

Used to describe an action that happened regularly in the past.

Every summer, we would visit my grandparents.

When I was young, I would read before bed.

Good to know

Use this mainly for repeated past actions, not for past states.

Common phrases & grammar

would always · would often · would never

Subject + would + base verb + time expression

When + subject + past-tense verb, subject + would + base verb

auxiliary

Used after a past verb about speaking or thinking to say what was expected to happen later.

She said she would call after work.

I knew the trip would be difficult.

Good to know

This often translates into Spanish with a verb ending in -ría or with iba a.

Common phrases & grammar

said he would · thought it would · promised she would

Subject + said/thought + (that) + subject + would + base verb

Useful expressions

would like

to want something or want to do something, in a polite way

I would like a glass of water.

would rather

to prefer one choice or action

I'd rather stay home tonight.

would you mind

a polite way to ask someone to do something

Would you mind closing the door?

Related words & forms

willbase form

In some uses, would is the irregular past form related to will. It stays the same with all subjects.