GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

12 MODAL VERBS PAGE 126
There is often a phrase or clause explaining the unreal situation we are talking
about.
It would be nice to have a barbecue.
You wouldn't be much use in a crisis.
No one would pay taxes if they didn't have to.
For would with an if-clause, • 257(4).
For would looking forward from the past, • 80(2).
2 In a request would is less direct, more tentative than will.
Will/Would you pass me the sugar?
We can also use would in a statement to avoid sounding impolite, especially when
disagreeing with someone.
I wouldn't agree with that.
I would point out that this has caused us some inconvenience.
3 We also use the expressions would like and would rather.
a
b
Would like is less direct than want, which can sound abrupt.
I want a drink. (direct, perhaps impolite)
I'd like a drink. (less direct, more polite)
Compare like and would like.
I like to climb/I like climbing that mountain.
(I have climbed it a number of times, and enjoyed it.)
I'd like to climb that mountain.
(= I want to climb it.)
We can also use would with love, hate, enjoy and mind.
My sister would love to do deep-sea diving.
I'd hate to be in your shoes.
We'd enjoy a trip to Las Vegas. We've never been there before.
I wouldn't mind coming with you.
Would rather means 'prefer' or 'would prefer'.
I'd rather walk than hang around for a bus.
The guide would rather we kept together.
Would you rather eat now or later?
Would rather is followed by a bare infinitive (walk) or a clause (we kept together).
The negative is would rather not.
I'd rather not take any risks.
NOTE
We can also use would sooner.
I'd sooner walk than hang around for a bus.
4 In some contexts we can use either would or should after I/we. The meaning is the
same, but should is a little formal.
I would/should like to thank you for all you've done.
We wouldn't/shouldn't be able to get around without a car.