would

Universal Words modal verb (short form 'd ) 1 used as the past form of will when reporting what sb has said or thought: He said he would be here at eight o'clock (= He said: 'I will be there at 8 o'clock.'). * She asked if I would help. * They told me that they probably wouldn't come. 2 used for talking about the result of an event that you imagine: She'd look better with shorter hair. * If you went to see him, he would be delighted. * Hurry up! It would be a shame to miss the beginning of the play. * She'd be a fool to accept it (= if she accepted). 3 used for describing an action or event that would have happened if sth else had happened first: If I had seen the advertisement in time I would have applied for the job. * They would never have met if she hadn't gone to Emma's party. 4 so that / in order that sb/sth ~ used for saying why sb does sth: She burned the letters so that her husband would never read them. 5 wish (that) sb/sth ~ used for saying what you want to happen: I wish you'd be quiet for a minute. 6 used to show that sb/sth was not willing or refused to do sth: She wouldn't change it, even though she knew it was wrong. * My car wouldn't start this morning. 7 used to ask sb politely to do sth: Would you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes? * Would you open the door for me, please? 8 used in polite offers or invitations: Would you like a sandwich? * Would you have dinner with me on Friday? 9 ~ like, love, hate, prefer, etc. sth / (sb) to do sth