What is the difference between will and would in English language?

Here you can find out what is the difference between will and would in English.

In order to understand the difference between these two words, it is enough to know when they are used. Then you can compare when to use will or would and understand the difference.

1. First, it should be remembered that these words function as auxiliary verbs in different tenses. This is their first difference.

Will is an auxiliary verb for the tense Future Indefinite.
I will go there - I will go there.

Would - auxiliary verb for tense Future Indefinite in the Past Tense (uncertain future in the past).

2. The second difference is the use in conditional sentences. As you know, there are several types of conditional sentences in English. In the first type (real feasible assumptions) will is used in the main clause, and in the second type (incredible or unlikely assumptions) would is used in the main clause.

If you send me flowers I will call you - If you send me flowers, I will call you (first type).
If I knew your address I would come to you - If I knew your address, I would come to you (second type).

3. It should be remembered that would replaces will according to the rule of tense agreement. For example, in indirect speech.

Mary asked me whether I would do it for her - Mary asked me if I would do this for her.

4. Would, in contrast to will, expresses the particle would, for example, in conditional sentences.

If I knew your address I would come to you - If I knew your address, I would come to you.

5. Will and would can be used to express a request, but would expresses a more polite request, and in this sense its use is more preferable.

Would you please help us - Could you please help us.

The verb will (past tense form would) in English has two functions:
The first is the designation of the action which is planned in the future:

I will go there. (I'll go there).

The second is a modal verb that helps express desire, readiness, determination to perform an action: She will have her own way. (She'll do it her way.)

As well as a certain degree of confidence and assertiveness of the speaker:

That will be a doctor at the door. (Looks like the doctor has come).

A little history

It is curious that ancient English did not have a special form of the future tense. People guessed that an action was being planned using context. For Russian speakers, the consonant word “will” will help you remember the basic lexical meaning of the verb will. After all, in fact, one of the most popular uses of will is precisely the expression of the will to do something (or, on the contrary, to refuse an action).

A feature of modern English is that it does not have a future tense form, without additional shades: necessity, compulsion, desire, speaker or writer. This must be taken into account when using the verbs will and would.

It should be recalled that until recently, teachers of classical English grammar for the formation of the Simple Future Tense (Future Indefinite) required the use of the verb shall in the 1st person. Nevertheless, the language lives and develops and today the colloquial norm is almost universally considered will for all persons and numbers. In rare cases, using shall gives the speech a more formal or mentoring tone.

Basic uses of the verb will

• To indicate intention, desire, promise:
  He will help you. He will help you.
  We will come and see you next week. We will visit you next week.
• To express a request or order:
  You will tell me all secrets! You will tell me all the secrets!
  This form of categorical order, almost a threat, is noticeably softened by the use of please:
  Will you close the door, please? Could you close the door?
• To express some degree of confidence:
  We'll see you tomorrow. We'll see you tomorrow.
  He will be about fifty. He must be about fifty years old.

Basic uses of the verb would

To express possibility certain actions in the past (subjunctive mood, translated using the particle “would”).
If he knew, he would be glad. If he knew, he would be glad.

It is important to remember here that the English language has a strict rule of tense agreement. Therefore, if in the main sentence a verb is used in the past tense, then in the subordinate clause, the Future in the Past is used. For this purpose we use would. The difficulty, which often gives rise to errors, is that in Russian, the subordinate clause is simply translated into the future tense.

I knew that you would give me a chance. I knew you would give me a chance.

In the present tense, this form is used for particularly polite, non-categorical requests.:

Would you come in? Won't you come in?
Would you close the window? Would you close the window?

To describe habitual actions in the past:
He would visit her every day. He used to visit her every day.

Used in reasoning and assumptions:
I wonder whether he would object... I wonder if he would object...

Sometimes the same verb is used to describe and convey direct speech:
She said she would leave. She said she would leave.

Contracted and negative forms of the verbs will and would

IN English speech Quite often the abbreviated (reduced) form of verbs is used. In cases where the proposal is affirmative, everything is quite simple:
I will - I'll
I'll. visit this museum
I will visit this museum.

He (she) will -he’ll (she’ll)
He'll (she will) ask me about it. He/she will ask for it

We will - We'll
We'll (we will) look after the children.
We'll look after the children.
They will be on time.

The short form would is even easier to use. It is formed according to one rule, reducing to the short “‘d”:
We were confident that he ‘d (he would) find a solution. We were confident that he would fulfill his promise.

Some difficulties may arise when using the shortened negative form of the verb will. In this case, you need to remember what to use general principle Abbreviations for this verb are not allowed! The forms willn’t and willnot do not exist! The correct ones are won’t from will (will not);

The verb would forms a short negative form by general rule:wouldn't
We knew that they wouldn’t go to Moscow.We knew that they wouldn’t go to Moscow.

Peculiarities of using the verbs will and would

It is curious that in colloquial speech won’t is pronounced exactly the same as the verb want (want, desire). Their meaning can be recognized using context, as well as strictly grammatical requirements. The verb want has its own meaning. It is not modal, therefore it must be separated from another verb by the particle to.

For example, let's take two sentences:

We won't invite them. We won't invite them.

We want to invite them; already translated differently: We want to invite them.

With the verb would there are several set expressions(idioms) popular in colloquial speech: would rather; would better; would sooner.

I would rather go on the next train. I'll probably take the next train.

You would better look after him. You better keep an eye on him.

She said she would sooner stay at home. She would rather stay at home.

You can also memorize a few proverbs with these verbs, which will make your speech more natural and help you remember the verbs better:

Hawks will not pick hawks’ eyes. - in literal translation we're talking about about hawks. Russian equivalent: A raven will not peck out a crow's eye.
Many words will not fill a bushel. - Words won't help matters.

The verb would in English is used:

• 1. As an auxiliary verb for the formation of verb forms Future in the Past (future in the past) in the 2nd and 3rd person singular and plural(instead of the verb will).

He says he will come to see me tomorrow.
He says that (he) will visit me tomorrow.

BUT:
Not said(that) he would come next day.
He said he would visit me the next day

He said he would come early.
He said he would come early.

• 2. To express a strong desire to refuse to perform an action. In relation to inanimate objects, would in these cases expresses resistance to human efforts.

Not wouldn't go to the doctor.
He never wants to go to the doctor.

I tried to close the case but it wouldn't.
I tried to close the suitcase, but it wouldn’t close.

In expressions:

a) would like instead of the verb want ( want) in the present tense to express a more polite form.

I would like to see you. I'd like to see you.
I would like an (some) ice-cream. I'd like some ice cream.

b) would like in interrogative sentences to express a proposal for something, an invitation to do something.

Would you like to try on this hat?
Would you like to try on this hat?

Would you like a well-done steak?
Would you like a well-cooked steak?

Would you like another cup of coffee?
(Would you like) another cup of coffee? (Want to…?)

V) would care instead of the verb want (want) in the present tense, but only in interrogative and negative sentences.

Would you care to see my etchings?
Would you like to see my engravings?

Would you care to have some more tea?
Would you like some more tea?

G) if only + would to express regret about an action that was not completed.

If only he would drive more slowly.
If only he had driven slower.

If only she would go by train.
If only she had taken the train.

• 3. As a modal verb in the following cases:

a) to express intention, desire.

Didn't say he would lend me some money to buy a car.
He said he would lend me money to buy a car.

BUT: In the affirmative form, if would expresses intention, it is used in a subordinate clause.

I said that I would help him.
I said I would help him.

In the negative form, would is used independently in the sense of unwillingness to do something - wouldn’t (often with a connotation of “for nothing”, “under no pretext”).

I wouldn't lend him money to buy a car.
I don't want to lend him money to buy a car. (I refused…)

He wouldn't come to see me. (He refused to come.)
He didn't want to visit me. (He refused to come.)

b) to express repetition of action or persistence.

Not would wait for me at the corner of our house.
He used to wait for me at the corner of our house. (Or: And he (but he) was still waiting for me on the corner of our house.- Depending on the context.)

c) to express a polite request.

Would you show me that suit?
Please show me that suit over there.

Would you tell me where the nearest underground station is?
Can you tell me where the nearest metro station is?

It is no secret that some modal verbs, distinguished by specific meanings and forms, developed from other modals, acquiring the status of independent ones. A striking example is a pair shall –, where the second verb, originally used instead of shall in the past tense, has become a full-fledged modal word with individual characteristics. The same applies to such a grammatical structure as modal verb would. Its use has always been typical in Past instead of will, but over time it has become a full-fledged modal with some special functions unique to it. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what basic meanings this verb has, what is its difference with will, give examples of sentences with would, and also show in what grammatical constructions this word is used.

Main characteristics of a modal verb

Would in English has the same characteristics as most other modals. It does not show an action, but reflects an attitude towards it, cannot have an ending –s after it, is always used with an infinitive, etc. However, it also has one more important feature: in the language it can be used not only as a modal, but also as an auxiliary verb, which may be even more common.

For situations where it acts as an auxiliary verb, the translation rule usually provides for the particle “would”. This is why we so often use this verb in situations where the action is associated with unreality and some kind of fantasy or fiction. This is what it looks like:

• I would be Grateful to you if you helped with this issue– I would be grateful if you could help me with this question
• I wish you would come on time, don’ t be late- I would like you to come on time, don’t be late

Will and would, as we know, were never “pure” modals and were almost always included in various grammatical structures (especially in the tenses of the Future category). Would is often used as a substitute for will in situations that require tense agreement. In addition, its use is very typical in such an area as the subjunctive mood ( Subjunctive Mood), where it is also a very common auxiliary verb.

Interrogative sentences

In questions, this verb is used in accordance with the rules of modal verbs, when the modal has the right to independently form this type of sentence. So, it comes first, followed by the subjects, then the predicate, and then the rest of the structure. In the event that the question is special, that is, it contains special question word, modal will naturally come after it. For example:

• Would I solve this problem if were not for certain circumstances? – Would I have solved this problem if not for certain circumstances?
• What would you do if she asked you about that Friday? – What would you do if she asked you about that Friday?

Negations and short form

For negation, you do not need to use anything new - the same particle not, characteristic of any modals. In addition, with this verb the shortened form – wouldn’t – is easily formed. Transcription of both British and American options English language provides the same pronunciation of would in short form with negation: the word is pronounced [ˈwʊd(ə)nt]:

• She wouldn't ’ t participate in this game unless you explain her all the rules– She won’t take part in this game unless you explain all the rules to her.

Methods of transmitting different tenses

Grammar allows the use of a verb in different tenses and situations. So, it was already mentioned a little earlier that this form often serves to coordinate times when it is impossible to use will, for example, he said he would be able to, etc. It is also permissible to form with it long time, using , or previous action through . Situations may be different: the verb found its application in the subjunctive mood, being one of the most popular auxiliary verbs:

• If I were you I would immediately leave this house –On yours place I would immediately left this house
• Would you mind if opened the window a little wider? “Would you mind if I opened the window a little wider?”

Note: the translation of would you mind has only one meaning: “do you mind? won't you mind?" Abbreviated forms are not used here.

Differences between will and would in meaning

Despite the independent status of would as a modal verb, most of its functions overlap with the meanings of will. As a rule, the main difference lies precisely in the temporal form, when it becomes necessary to shift time back one step.

• 1. So, it also has the meaning “will, desire.” The main difference is the frequent use in negative sentences (the abbreviation is also relevant here):

He was in a hurry and wouldn't ’ t tell me anything“He was in a hurry and didn’t want to tell me anything.”

• 2. Both verbs have the meaning of a polite offer or request. If we compare these functions for two modals, we can note that with would the situation becomes even more greater degree politeness and courtesy:

Would you be so kind to pass me the kettle? – Could you be so kind as to pass me the teapot?

• 3. Persistence on something. If with will the situation belonged to the present or future tense, then with would it will be Past, again, as a rule, due to the Sequence of Tenses:

He was at a loss, but he would try to make an excuse –He was confused, But All equals had tried apologize

Would does not have a prediction function, and this is quite obvious and logical: any forecast is made for the future and is not used with the past tense.

Special designs

In addition to the above uses, this modal is also part of several other structures. Thus, the construction would rather (synonymous with had better) is translated as “it would be better, it would be worth it” and is a condition for the bare Infinitive (without to):

I would rather go with you than stay here alone- I would rather go with you than stay here alone

A stable expression is the phrase would like, which translates as “I would like”:

I would like to visit as many places as possible –To me would I wanted visit How Can more places

All these features of the modal verb would allow us to call it unique and special in its own way. The use of this modal in speech is very popular, and in order not to confuse it with other words, it is necessary to carefully study its functions and areas of use. Only in this case will the correctness of its use be justified and logical.

) is an insufficient verb, since it is used only in two forms: in the past tense - would and in the present tense - will. The main verb behind the insufficient verb and expressing some action is used in an indefinite form, but without a particle to.
Verb would used as an auxiliary verb in combination with to form forms and as a form. In some cases would has a modal meaning.

Examples: How did you know that I would come to this office today? - How did you know that I would come to this office today?
She said she wouldn't speak to Andrew unless he apologized for being rude. “She said she wouldn’t talk to Andrew until he apologized for being rude.”

The verb would as an auxiliary verb

1. Verb would used in conjunction with the 2nd and 3rd person singular and plural to form the future tense in the past, i.e. forms Future in the Past.

Examples: I told Michael I would do it but he didn’t listen to me. “I told Michael I would do it, but he didn’t listen to me.”
Didn't I tell you I would go shopping today? “Didn’t I tell you that I was going to go shopping today?”

2. Verb would used as an auxiliary verb with the 2nd and 3rd person singular and plural to form forms subjunctive mood, used in the main part.

Examples: She would call back if she had enough time. “She would have called back if she had more time.”
He would have been here in the morning if the train had not been late. “He would have been here in the morning if the train hadn’t been late.”

In the same time would often used with 1st person instead should. This trend is typical for modern English, especially in the USA.

Verb would with modal meaning

3. Verb would used as a modal verb with all singular and plural persons in negative sentences to express persistent reluctance to perform actions in the past. Wouldn't = wouldn't didn't want/didn't want.

Examples: I asked him to do it, but he would not listen to me. “I asked him to do it, but he didn’t want to listen to me.”
The doctor told her take a medicine twice a day, but she would not listen to him. The doctor told her to take the medicine twice a day, but she did not want to listen to him.

4. Verb would used to express a request.

Examples:Would you mind turning on the light. - Please turn on the light.
Would you mind watering my flowers? – Could you water my flowers?
Would you please pass me my purse? – Could you pass my bag, please?

5. Verb would used with all singular and plural persons to express a repeated action in the past. Would, in this case, is translated as it happened.

Examples: On hot summer days we would take a boat and go up the river. “On hot summer days, we used to take a boat and go up the river.
He would come to us and ( would) talk to my sister Allis for hours. “He used to come over and talk to my sister Ellis for hours.

Please note that in given value verb would similar in meaning to the design used to. But, the construction used to is used more often in colloquial speech, and would on the letter.